There are many seniors that suffer from arthritis or have other dexterity problems, making it difficult for them to brush and floss their teeth and maintain good dental care habits.  Here are some tips that may help:

1) Use a wide elastic band to attach the toothbrush handle to the hand.

2) Enlarge the toothbrush handle with a piece of wood or plastic.

3) Use an electric toothbrush.

4) Tie the ends of floss together, making a circle before flossing or use a floss holder.

In a prior post we talked about the signs and causing factors of tooth loss, and how with a long-term commitment you can prevent tooth loss from happening. Yet even with all the warning signs given prior to tooth loss, sometimes people do not go to the dentist regularly or refuse to go even if a tooth hurts because they are afraid of pain associated with fixing problems or think they do not have the money to pay for treatments.

Unfortunately, putting off dental treatment can only make the problem worse and you may ultimately face tooth loss if you ignore symptoms or skip your regular dental checkups. Dental prevention starts at home and continues at your dental office.

The best way to prevent tooth loss is to practice good dental health habits, which include brushing and flossing regularly. You should also see your dentist at least once every six months and make an appointment as soon as possible if you experience tooth pain or other problems with your teeth.

Your adult teeth should last you a life time. However preventing tooth loss means making a long term commitment to your dental healthcare.  Such as making healthy dental and diet choices, maintaining good dental habits and seeing your dentist for regular dental check ups.

Although there are several reasons that adults may lose their teeth. The most common reasons involve a combination of poor oral hygiene and dietary habits. Gum Disease a main factor in tooth loss, yet it is important to understand that poor dental hygiene is a causing factor to gum disease as well as dental decay (cavities).

In addition to poor oral hygiene habits, many people eat/drink a lot of candy, soda or other sugary snacks. Which can lead to tooth loss because sugar contributes to tooth decay, especially if you do not brush your teeth after eating. Other causing factors to tooth loss include smoking or chewing tobacco, grinding and clenching your teeth.

I may be having TMJ issues. My jaw seems to be making popping and cracking noises and when I wake up in the morning my jaw is sometimes sore. What type of doctor do I need to see for this issue.

Answer: The temporo mandibular joint, or TMJ pain syndrome is a very common medical problem, and symptoms typically include pain in the joint, especially when chewing. There may also be trouble opening the mouth wide in more severe cases. TMJ pain syndrome is most often picked up and evaluated initially by your dentist. 

Therefore a dentist is a good place to start if you have not seen anyone about this issue.  A dentist will be able to determine if you do have TMJ and either start treating you or refer you out to a specialist such as an Orthodontic dentist.

After having a tooth removed such as a wisdom tooth dry socket can occur when the blood clot for the healing process becomes dislodged or does not form.  When that happens, the bone and fine nerve ending are exposed to air, liquids and foods.  This will delay the healing process and can be very painful.  One should see a dentist right away if you suspect you may have dry socket

There is no need for toothpaste to be used initially on babies.  However, for toddlers who want to imitate their parents, use only a tiny amount of non-fluoridated paste (amount smaller than a pea, since infants and toddlers often swallow toothpaste).

Keep using the non-fluoridated variety until your child can spit it all out, because swallowing too much fluoride can cause fluorosis, a discoloration of future permanent teeth.

Did you know that periodontal (gum) disease is a major cause of tooth loss in adults. However periodontal disease is preventable and even reversible in it early stages. One main reason why periodontal disease is a problem among older adults is because it can progress slowly and painlessly over time and go undetected. Yet with careful oral hygiene and regular dental visits perodontal disease can be controlled and prevented.

While many seniors citizens are keeping their natural teeth longer they may have more complex dental care need to consider than previous generations. Due to increasing age comes the likelihood that more medications are being taken to chronic disease such as diabetes.

Due to that it is important for the elderly to inform their dental professionals of any changes or updates in their medical history to ensure safe and effective dental care treatment.

Many people with a full dentures may feel there is no reason to see a dentist since they no longer have teeth.  However it is still important to maintain your regular dental visits even if you no longer have your natural teeth.  The dentist will still be able to examine your mouth to check for any problems with the gum ridges, the tongue and joints of the jaw, as well as screen for oral cancer.  Also there may be times when you dentures will need to be adjusted or alined in order to maintain proper fit.