Last time we explored why we have an increased risk of cavities on the roots of the teeth as we get older.  Today we are addressing what can be done to keep those roots cavity free.  As we age our dexterity diminishes, so brushing and flossing becomes more difficult.  This allows more plaque to accumulate.  Below I have delineated specific things you can do to hold decay at bay.

• Use an electric tooth brush.   It is essential.   With decreased ability to handle a brush and floss, the electric brush does the work.  You just need to place the brush at the gum line.   I recommend them for all patients, especially the elderly.  Get a good one!  I like the Sonicare or the Oral B.
• Flossing is essential for removal of plaque on the surfaces between the teeth.  That’s 40 percent of the tooth.  Many elderly folks cannot manipulate floss on cramped or arthritic fingers.  If you can’t floss, rubber tip cones, proxy brushes or stimudents are aides you can use that will greatly help get at those in between the teeth areas.
• More frequent visits to the dentist for routine cleanings. I recommend 3-4 cleanings a year for elderly patients, especially those who consistently show up with heavy plaque at their cleanings. If you can’t do it, let us help you!  The longer plaque sits on your gums and teeth, the more likely decay will develop.
• Fluoride can help harden root surfaces and therefore make them less susceptible to cavity formation.  Use a concentrated fluoride rinse or tooth paste at home.  Get fluoride treatments in the office.  We can paint a varnish on the surfaces that has a longer lasting benefit.
• Many older people combat their dry mouths with sucking candies.   The sucking candies help increase saliva flow which makes their mouths more lubricated and comfortable.  Many people suck on them all day.  My parents have bowls of them around the house.   That’s fine;  BUT… they need to be sugarless!  Sugared candies that you suck on are the absolute worst thing you can use.  When you suck on a candy that is sugared, the plaque on the teeth creates acids for hours.  When you suck on these throughout the day, the teeth are bathed in acids continually! Get sugar free candies and all is OK.  Lifesavers make them and so does Jolly Ranchers, along with other candy makers. Sugar free gum is also good for combating the acids that bacteria in the plague create.  As a matter of fact dentists recommend sugar free gum after eating if you can’t brush right away.
• Do yourself and your teeth a favor, throw them a sugar free Lifesaver!