Contents
Oral hygiene is essential for keeping your teeth as long as possible. Brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily are the two most important steps you can take to maintain good oral health. It is also important to visit your dentist regularly for cleanings and check-ups. Regular visits to the dentist allow them to detect any potential problems early, which makes it easier to treat them before they become more serious.
In addition to practicing good oral hygiene at home, it is also wise to reduce risk factors that can lead to cavities or gum disease. This includes reducing sugar intake, not smoking or using tobacco products, limiting alcohol consumption, and eating a balanced diet full of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Dental diseases in old age
Dental care becomes quite important as we age – because teeth & gums are subject to many attacks over the years.
The course of (untreated) periodontitis: the gums continue to recede. Tooth decay can attack the tooth more easily, and the root of the tooth loosens more easily.
Gingivitis and periodontitis are the inflammations of the gums that occur most often in old age.
- The demographic change is to blame for this, because we are getting older and older.
- But also missing or inadequate dental care plays a major role.
For incipient gum problems, the earlier you treat, the cheaper. Advanced gum disease often can not be reversed & can be very expensive.
Note: In the overview of periodontitis, you will learn everything about the first signs & the course of treatment.
Unfortunately, gingivitis often goes untreated
In the 1st phase, gum inflammation (gingivitis) can still be treated
It’s better not to ignore initial signs such as increased pain with hot or cold drinks.
Alarm signs such as bleeding gums, swelling and hot-cold pain, however, are often not taken seriously enough to go to the dentist.
- Poor or rough oral hygiene exacerbates the negative effect of inflammation, and it spreads.
- Often there are elongated necks of teeth and the formation of fistulas or abscesses (accumulation of germs in the mouth).
In the further course, the germs penetrate further and further into the tooth structure, which can no longer be properly protected by the attacked gums.
The result: periodontitis, that is, the inflammation of the periodontium.
Problems with the teeth put a strain on the whole body
Treatment as soon as possible is not only important to preserve your teeth
Rotten teeth wreak havoc on the whole body: Germs from the mouth can trigger inflammation & disease in other places, too.
Due to the usually weakened immune system, it is not uncommon for the germs to enter the bloodstream and can lead to serious ailments (e.g., in the heart, lungs, and other places).
In addition, advanced periodontitis can lead to complete loss of the tooth – either through dead teeth or tooth extraction by the dentist.
And then it gets expensive: Replacements such as dental fillings, dental bridges and dental crowns are only partially covered by health insurance – and treatment can be painful.
Prevent in time
To prevent it from happening in the first place, the following are the most important tips for proper care.
The health of the teeth begins with the gums. This serves as the first protective wall against germs and should therefore be treated with care.
Proper tooth brushing saves a lot of money & can slow tooth loss as we age.
Older people should look very carefully and, if in doubt, see a dentist for a checkup.
- As the immune system becomes weaker and weaker, the resistance to bacteria also decreases.
- Therefore, proper dental care is all the more important to be able to spare lengthy therapies.
If the gums are inflamed, germs can usually penetrate unhindered into deeper structures.
In summary:By a good oral care you promote a strong oral flora and thus prevent dental diseases caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi.
The right dental care as we age
In essence, regular dental care doesn’t change much as you age:
Brush your teeth 2-3 times a day (after eating each time) and don’t be too rough. Press too hard when cleaning – a common brushing mistake.
This can cause gingivitis and bleeding, which in extreme cases can lead to complete tooth loss.
Not only regular brushing is important – but also the correct technique. Otherwise, you will only accelerate the decay of your teeth.
These dental care products are worthwhile
Unfortunately, aggravating factors such as poorer eyesight, declining dexterity and reduced sense of smell are usually added.
It is therefore recommended to use an electric toothbrush, which not only cleans the teeth much more thoroughly, but also more gently.
- Premium toothbrushes such as the Flexcare Platinum, Diamond Clean Smart or Oral-B Genius, for example, have a sensor that warns of too much pressure.
- This helps you avoid one of the most common causes of receding gums and prevents your teeth from being damaged by improper brushing technique.
In addition, the toothbrush has a better grip and cleans very well despite decreasing dexterity.
Tip: In this guide you can read all about the differences between Oral-B toothbrushes, sonic toothbrushes & ultrasonic toothbrushes. You will also find a recommendation of the best models. Electric toothbrushes under test.
The right toothpaste
When choosing toothpaste, make sure it has no whitening particles (this also applies to black toothpaste with activated charcoal) and is fluoride-containing.
- Whitening toothpastes contain particles that act on the tooth structure like sandpaper.
- As the particles erode the top layer, the teeth whiten, but this also makes them more susceptible to disease.
Fluoride protects tooth enamel & makes it more robust against bacteria – as long as you don’t eat your toothpaste by the tube, fluoride is also completely safe for your health.
Tip: More info on the right variant there’s here: Toothpaste in the test.
Clean the interdental spaces
Clean interdental spaces are also particularly important.
- Since these tend to be neglected once in a while, you should pay attention to thoroughness, especially in old age.
- Otherwise germs settle there and spread everywhere in the mouth – a risk factor for periodontal disease.
Even the best toothbrush does not reach these places – you must therefore resort to another tool.
These are the options
Use dental floss or a special toothbrush for the interdental spaces (so-called interdental brushes) once a day for clean interdental spaces
Also floss sticks & Flossetten are suitable to remove food debris & bacteria reliably (and prevent new plaque).
Which variant you use, is basically no matter – they clean similarly well. The only important thing is to clean the spaces in between regularly. ct
Also oral irrigators are recommended by dentists with pleasure because these clean with high pressure the interdental spaces.
And are more convenient to use than traditional floss for many. Browse best in my big comparison to look at different oral irrigators & their functionality: Oral irrigators in test.
Tip: In this article you can learn more about the topic: clean interdental spaces properly.
The professional teeth cleaning
In addition to dental care at home, you should also rely on professional prevention at the dentist.
While dentists usually recommend this thorough cleaning 1-2 times a year, as you age you should have your teeth completely cleaned & checked 2-4 times a year.
At the same time, additional preventive measures such as dental sealants or removal of discoloration are also recommended.
In addition to brushing at home, regular checkups with an expert are also recommended.
By decreasing your own thoroughness, this can still reduce the risk of niches or foci of inflammation.
Shortly:Go for regular dental checkups. Typical oral diseases can be combated quickly and efficiently through early detection. Don’t be afraid of the dentist.
Other measures for healthy teeth
Thorough brushing is the A & O – without it does not work. The following measures provide in addition to dental care for protection against tooth loss.
Take enough liquid to itself
It often happens, especially in old age, that many people drink too little. But especially then it is of great importance to hydrate your body.
- Experts recommend drinking at least 1.5 L, better yet 2-3 liters of fluid daily to avoid dehydrating the body.
- All functions depend on it. For example, in the absence of water, much less saliva is produced, which dries out the mouth.
Ideal conditions in which germs can spread better and faster. Saliva is a kind of shower for our oral cavity.
Instead of water, you can also use mouthwashes – but then it’s best to use alcohol-free (because otherwise the mucous membranes will dry out even faster).
Drink enough, our salivary glands produce a lot of secretion to rinse out the mouth and keep it clean.
Make sure your main fluid intake is covered by water and unsweetened teas.
Note: Read more about the consequences of too little saliva here: Dry mouth & the teeth.
A balanced diet
Health comes from within and without.
- Eat a healthy and balanced diet, exercise, avoid too much alcohol & smoking.
- This will strengthen your immune system and prevent a variety of diseases.
Set on a tooth-healthy diet & replace sugar with alternatives such as xylitol (birch sugar), which are tooth-friendly:
Avoid sweets
Sugar is the leading cause of tooth decay. Try to avoid sugary foods and reach for items sweetened with xylitol/erythritol/stevia
Since germs feed on sugar, it’s important to consume as little of it as possible.
Chewing gum
Dental gum helps keep the oral cavity healthy. Chewing increases saliva production and rinses the mouth thoroughly.
Chronic Diseases
Chronic diseases, such as diabetes or problems with the thyroid gland, can have a negative effect on your teeth.
Should you suffer from a chronic disease, visit your family doctor regularly and try to control the disease.
Strengthen the immune system
It’s not just exercise and a healthy diet that have a positive effect
Taking zinc and vitamin C supplements has also been shown to strengthen the immune system
Blood levels
Have your blood work checked at least once a year. Deficiencies in essential vitamins and trace elements will cause disease to occur
The thirds – what is it actually?
Not always damage to the teeth can be prevented – sooner or later, the third teeth become necessary for most people.
Generally, thirds are anything that serves as a denture or tooth replacement.
The first teeth are the milk teeth, which fall out at the young age and are replaced by the second permanent teeth. The thirds are the artificial teeth that are meant to replace the patient’s own teeth
What are the types of third teeth?
Generally, there is a distinction between fixed and removable dentures.
The fixed prosthesis
The fixed prosthesis is a bridge with real teeth as abutments. Alternatively, implants can also serve as abutments
The removable denture
A distinction is made between complete dentures, full dentures or partial dentures.
- Partial dentures are used by the dentist when the patient’s own teeth are still present to serve as retainers.
- These include dental crowns that are placed over damaged or broken teeth.
The full denture replaces all the teeth of the jaw.
The hybrid denture
This is a special form of third party. It is quasi to be classified between removable and fixed dentures and is anchored on individual remaining teeth or implants.
In the following, you will find a more detailed overview of the different variants & their respective advantages & disadvantages:
Fixed implants
This prosthesis is excellent as a tooth replacement for single teeth in a row.
The dental bridge
The dental bridge is attached to two abutments. The patient’s own teeth serve as a retainer in this case.
The dentist first inships the abutments before crowning them.
The implant bridge
Just like the dental bridge, here you place a prosthesis, but it is anchored to implants.
The composite bridge
Composite bridges are virtually a mixture of dental and implant bridges. The replacement is anchored to both the real and replacement teeth.
Advantages of fixed dentures
Due to the tight fit, the denture cannot be lost or swallowed. You can also enjoy eating normally
Outwardly, you can’t tell the difference, because the dentures look confusingly similar to real teeth.
As a rule, health insurance covers the cost of fixed dentures, provided that they are made of metal material in the anterior region with tooth-colored veneer.
Disadvantages of fixed dentures
Your own teeth must first be ground down before the dentist crowns them. As a result, the patient’s own tooth structure is lost
Also, there may be a negative impact on the mechanical stability of the real tooth and implant.
Do you suffer from bad breath? In this guide you will find everything about the causes & effective measures: Bad breath (halitosis).
Removable third teeth: the full denture
When there are no more of your own teeth, implants are placed in the upper and/or lower jaw to serve as dentures
Implants consist of the actual implant, which is placed in the jaw – and an artificial dental crown, which the dentist glues on top.
Plastic is used as the material. The replacement matches the color of the gums and teeth, so it is barely noticeable.
The denture does not have a firm hold and therefore can be easily removed.
Advantages of the full denture
As a rule, the statutory health insurance will cover the costs for you.
The therapy is relatively fast, relatively uncomplicated and requires little effort.
Disadvantages of the full prosthesis
Unfortunately, the prostheses do not fit very tightly and eating can become a problem.
Also, the feeling compared to the real teeth takes a lot of getting used to.
Improve the hold of the full denture
If the hold of your denture is not strong enough, be sure to talk to your dentist
In addition to a stronger bonding cream, the hold can also be improved by relining.
This is covered by health insurance every two years.
After a few years of wear, a new prosthesis may also need to be fitted, as longevity is nowhere near as great as with fixed dentures.
Removable third teeth: the partial denture
Only a portion of the teeth are replaced with the partial denture. The existing real teeth serve as abutments. The prosthesis is anchored to them via clasps.
- In terms of appearance, the partial denture is similar to the full denture. However, the partial implant consists of a metal framework, which makes it more resistant to fracture.
- The metal framework often catches the eye and is therefore not considered aesthetic. For this reason, many patients often want an alternative.
The hybrid denture is in most cases a reasonable alternative – and often costs less than dental implants.
Advantages of the partial denture
Health insurance usually covers the costs incurred.
With minimal or no abrasion, tooth structure is not lost.
Furthermore, the therapy is uncomplicated and the dentures are long-lasting.
Disadvantages of the partial denture
Due to the lack of aesthetics and poor fit, patients often demand a better alternative, for example, the hybrid denture.
The middle ground: the hybrid prosthesis
The hybrid denture is removable, but gives the feeling of a fixed denture.
Through double crowns, the dentist attaches the hybrid implants to either the real teeth or the dentures.
Hybrid dentures offer an excellent alternative to traditional removable implants because they maintain the appearance of real teeth, are removable but do not fit as loosely.
Don’t forget: a personal consultation with a dentist is more advisable than any guidebook on the Internet. A professional will advise you individually and suggest suitable treatment options.
Advantages of hybrid dentures
Generally, hybrid dentures are the ideal compromise between the advantages of fixed dentures and the disadvantages of removable implants.
Excellent support and good appearance are usually reasons for patients to choose this type of denture.
Disadvantages of the hybrid denture
Unfortunately, hybrid dentures are not part of the standard care and are therefore not or only partially covered by health insurance.
Costs for the hybrid prosthesis
It is not possible to state the exact costs. However, these amount to 800€ – 2500€ depending on the number of teeth, effort of the treatment and the material used.
What the cost is covered depends on the respective health insurance, the need for crowning and the constellation of the tooth gap.
Conclusion
You can do a lot yourself against tooth decay in old age by practicing thorough and careful oral hygiene.
-
- &
Sonic toothbrushes usually clean
- better than brushing by hand and can compensate for faulty technique.
- The use of dental floss or interdental brushes removes stinky bacteria between the teeth. An even more convenient alternative is oral irrigators.
- Complement your dental care with the right toothpaste, antibacterial mouthwashes & home remedies such as coconut oil or birch sugar.
And if you do not have the opportunity to brush your teeth after a meal, chew sugar-free gum if possible.
These measures will not only freshen your breath, but also keep your teeth white.
I hope this article was helpful to you. Please also recommend this page to people you know to help as many people as possible.
Dental emergencies: Responding to urgent dental concerns
Dental emergencies can be a scary and overwhelming experience. They can range from a chipped tooth to a severe toothache. It’s important to know how to react and respond to these urgent dental concerns to prevent further damage or infection.
Firstly, if you are experiencing severe pain or bleeding, it’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately. Ignoring these symptoms can worsen the condition and may require serious medical treatment. If you cannot reach your regular dentist, consider going to the emergency room or an urgent care facility that specializes in dental care.
If you have a knocked-out tooth, it’s important to act quickly. Rinse the tooth with clean water and try to reinsert it back into the socket. If that’s not possible, keep the tooth moist by placing it in a container of milk or saliva until you can get to the dentist. Time is of the essence in this situation, and the faster you can get to the dentist, the higher the chance of saving the tooth.
For a cracked or chipped tooth, try to save any pieces that have fallen out and rinse your mouth with warm water. If there’s swelling, apply a cold compress to your face. Over-the-counter pain medication can help alleviate any discomfort until you reach the dentist.
In conclusion, dental emergencies can be challenging, but knowing how to respond can make all the difference in saving your teeth and preventing further damage. Remember to seek immediate medical attention for severe symptoms, and act promptly for knocked-out or broken teeth. By following these steps, you can ensure the best outcome for your dental health.
