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How does prescribed medication affect my teeth and
gums?
How does a lifetime of brushing affect my teeth
and gums?
How will a change in my diet affect my oral health? |
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With advances in dentistry and oral care products, and a more widespread
understanding of what it takes to look after teeth and gums, more
people are keeping their teeth as they get older. However, older
adults often face additional dental problems, which is why it is
more important than ever to maintain a high standard of oral hygiene. |
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How does prescribed medication affect my teeth and gums?
As you get older, the amount of saliva that you produce tends
to decrease. In addition some medications, or illnesses, may cause
a reduction in the amount of saliva present in your mouth. This
is called "dry mouth" or xerostomia, which can cause
an increased risk of tooth decay.
Saliva is the mouth's built-in defense against the development
of harmful plaque because it washes away the acids that are produced
when plaque interacts with sugar, in the things you eat and drink.
Less saliva inhibits this process and, therefore, puts your teeth
at greater risk for decay.
Dry mouth can also cause an increase in gum problems.
You can overcome "dry mouth" by using artificial saliva
products which can lubricate the mouth during, and after meals.
In addition, your dentist may recommend a range of home care products
that will make your teeth more resistant to decay. Fluoride treatments,
such as Oral-B STOP® Gel, or fluoride mouth rinses, go straight
to the tooth surfaces, to help prevent decay.
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How does a lifetime of brushing affect my teeth and gums?
As you get older, the chances are that your gums will start to
recede - this makes the teeth appear longer. This process will
start to expose the root of the tooth, which can cause an increased
risk of tooth decay, called root
caries and can cause dentin
hypersensitivity.
A thorough daily oral care routine, which includes brushing and
flossing, plus regular fluoride treatments, administered by your
dentist, can help make your teeth more resistant to decay and
can help alleviate the pain associated with sensitive teeth.
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How will a change in my diet affect my oral health?
Often, as you get older, your eating and drinking habits alter,
which may involve an increased consumption of sugary snacks and
drinks. Try to keep frequent snacking to a minimum since this will
reduce the amount of times your teeth come under attack from plaque
acids, thereby reducing the risk of tooth decay.
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