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Pearly whites: oral health

by Simone McClenaughan | 10 Dec 2012

Most people hitting the big 5-0 have many of their own teeth. The Australian Dental Association puts this down to modern dentistry’s shift towards preventative care, meaning that more people are keeping their teeth for life and without large fillings.

Even so, having a good set of chompers doesn’t mean you should stop seeing your dentist. Yet data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows that people over 65 visit their dentist less than the rest of the Australian population, with men visiting less than women.

Why dental health matters

Dental health is about more than a fresh mouth; it is also an important part of maintaining general health.

“Good oral health sets the tone for overall body health,” Dr Peter Alldritt, Chairman of the Australian Dental Association Oral Health Committee explains. “Dentists look beyond the teeth and gums in order to help you live a healthy life.”

Teeth

Adult teeth should last a lifetime when properly cared for. Without teeth you can’t chew food properly. “If you don’t have a good set of teeth, your ability to eat and basic nutritional needs are compromised,” says Dr Alldritt.

Tooth decay occurs when plaque – a sticky substance that adheres to your teeth and can lead to cavities – develops, which is the result of bacteria in the mouth. 

Gums

Keeping gums healthy is just as important as keeping teeth tip top, as they help keep your teeth in place.

Yet, explains Dr Karin Alexander, Vice President of the Australian Dental Association Board, gum disease is a big problem in over-55s.

Gingivitis is the most common form of gum disease and is caused by bacterial infection of the gum surface tissues. Gingivitis can also develop into periodontitis when the infection spreads into the deeper gum tissues, and can cause other problems throughout the body.

“An excess of bad bacteria in the mouth can travel through your bloodstream and affect other parts of your body too, including your heart,” warns Dr Alldritt.

Saliva

Saliva is an important component of oral health because it attacks the bacteria that cause and worsen tooth decay. It also helps neutralise the acids made by plaque and contains phosphate and calcium ions, which help strengthen tooth enamel.

One in four Australians has dry mouth syndrome, where a lack of saliva in the mouth can cause food to stick to teeth more, making them more susceptible to decay.

Soft tissue

Soft tissue includes your lips, the insides of your cheeks and your tongue – prime sites for oral cancer. More than three people are diagnosed with oral cancer each day in Australia, according to Dr Alldritt, and cigarette smoking is the main cause.

What should you do?  

Armed with the right tools, you can help keep your pearly whites and gums in good shape.

Check-ups

You should have a check-up with your dentist at least every six months.  

Toothbrush

Avoid medium and firm brushes as they can scrub away protective tooth enamel and cause gums to recede. “Soft brushes are good at removing plaque and minimising wear on the teeth and gums. Plaque is a soft material; you don’t need a firm brush to get rid of it,” says Dr Alldritt.

Brush morning and night. Spend two to three minutes brushing your teeth, covering all teeth surfaces gently. Replace your brush every few months.

If you have dentures, clean them with a denture brush and soapy water. Don’t use your regular toothbrush and paste, as these can be too abrasive. 

Toothpaste

A fluoridated toothpaste with no sugar is the best choice.

Floss

Floss daily to help remove small food particles and plaque from between your teeth. If left, explains the ADA, these bacteria can start to destroy gum tissue as well as the bones and ligaments that support teeth. Wrap about 30cm of dental floss between your middle fingers on both hands and use a gentle sawing motion between each tooth.

Mouthwash

Ask your dentist if he or she can recommend a mouthwash for you. Your dentist might recommend a rinse enriched with fluoride to help combat tooth decay, or an antibacterial one to help ward off gum disease.

Top 10 tips

  1. Brush your teeth morning and night with fluoride toothpaste.
  2. Floss your teeth every day
  3. Don’t use toothpicks as they can scratch teeth and gums.
  4. Avoid sugary foods and drinks.
  5. Avoid excessive consumption of acidic food such as juice, fruits and soft drinks.
  6. Don’t smoke.
  7. Chew sugar-free gum to help produce saliva.
  8. Drink fluoridated tap water.
  9. See your dentist regularly.
  10. If you aren’t as mobile or independent as you used to be, develop a dental health care plan with your dentist and family.