Staying active

A regular dental check-up is important whether you have your own teeth or not. It lets your dentist see if you have any dental problems and helps you to keep your mouth healthy.

It is best to prevent problems or treat them early on – leaving them could mean that treatment is more difficult in the future.

Here are some hints and tips on how to look after your mouth‚ gums and teeth or dentures to ensure
your mouth stays healthy.

Get brushing!

• You should brush your teeth thoroughly at least once a day with a fluoride toothpaste to help prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
• A soft to medium bristle toothbrush is best – make sure you replace it when the bristles get out of shape.
• If you have mobility difficulties‚ you may find it difficult to brush your own teeth – don’t be embarrassed to ask for assistance.
• There are also numerous oral hygiene aids that can be very helpful; such as electric toothbrushes and specially designed brushes with flexi-grip handles if you have problems holding a standard toothbrush.
• Fluoride gels and mouthwashes can be excellent supplements to brushing‚ helping in the prevention of dental disease.

Dealing with dentures

Like natural teeth‚ dentures must be looked after if they are going to last. Dentures should fit well and be comfortable.

Whether you have complete or partial dentures you should:

• Brush gums‚ tongue and palate regularly with a soft bristle brush.
• See a dentist for regular check-ups.
• Brush your dentures daily to remove food deposits and plaque.
• Use a specialist denture cleaner or soap and water.
• Ideally‚ dentures should be left out of your mouth for between 4 and 8 hours every 24 hours.
• Dentures can break‚ chip or crack‚ or you could simply grow out of them as the shape of your mouth changes. Be aware of this‚ and consult a dentist if you have any problems.
• Simple repairs to dentures are free under the NHS.

Further information

For more information on dental care please download our ageing well leaflet at the top right of this screen.