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Most of us think of children when we think of cavities but according to the American Dental Association (ADA), older adults now tend to get more cavities than their grandchildren. There are several reasons for this:

  • More than 95-percent of seniors have lost some of their gum tissue, exposing tooth roots that are very susceptible to decay.
  • Many seniors take medication that reduces saliva, the body's natural defense against cavities.
  • Brushing and flossing may be difficult for seniors who have arthritis or other physical limitations.
  • Many seniors drink water that does not contain fluoride, an important weapon against tooth decay for people of all ages.

The ADA recommends that all adults use a fluoride mouth rinse daily.

Some other helpful tips for seniors include:

  • chewing sugar-free gum or candy to stimulate saliva
  • winding adhesive tape around a toothbrush handle to give it a better grip

Patients of all ages benefit from twice-a-year dental checkups.

Denture wearers should visit their dentist as well. They may be surprised how much they benefit.

One of the most dramatic changes in dentistry is that there now are beautiful, natural-looking denture materials.