TEETH & AGING

Q. I am getting older and I am worried about losing my teeth, what should I do?

A: It is possible to have strong and sparkly teeth even if you’re advanced in years. One of the biggest misconception is that losing our teeth is inevitable as we age. Here are some things you can do to keep your teeth healthy for a lifetime:

Watch out for sugary and starchy food

Avoid frequent consumption of sugar and starch especially in between meals. When carbohydrates are broken down, it causes bacteria in the mouth to produce acids that cause tooth decay.

Take care of your oral hygiene

Remember to brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and floss daily to prevent dental plaque from accumulating within the interdental gaps. If you wear dentures remove and brush them as you would your own teeth. It is best to remove them at night.

Quit smoking

Besides putting yourself at higher risk of oral, oral-pharyngeal, lung cancer and other systemic diseases, smoking also increases your risk of developing serious gum disease and tooth loss.

Visit your dentist regularly

Many wait until it is painful before they visit the dentist. This usually means bigger problems for your teeth and costlier for your finances. Therefore, remember to visit your dentist regularly for a complete check-up. A standard recommended time is 6 months but this may vary depending on your risk status.

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Dr Ben Wang is a Dental Surgeon with Postgraduate Training in Periodontics with Specialist Dental Group. He received his training in Periodontics from the Eastman Dental Institute, University of London. Dr Wang has a special interest in the critical appraisal of research, regeneration, bone, soft tissue grafting around teeth and implants www.specialistdentalgroup.com / 6733 7883

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Specialist Dental Group® is a corporate sponsor of the Canadian Association of Singapore (CAS). CAS members enjoy a special rate for dental services.