Toggle navigation

(508) 798-0627

  • blog
  • Twitter
  • Facebook

Request an Appointment

CareCredit

  • Home
  • Staff
  • Office
  • Services
  • New Patients
  • Contact Us
  • Care Credit
  • Appointment Request
  • Patient Education

3 Things You Should Do to Protect Your Teeth Later in Life

  • Blog Home
  • Oral+Health
  • 3 Things You Should Do to Protect Your Teeth Later in Life

3 Things You Should Do to Protect Your Teeth Later in Life

By Worcester Dental Associates
May 08, 2020
Category: Oral Health
Tags: oral health  
3ThingsYouShouldDotoProtectYourTeethLaterinLife

Entering your “sunset” years doesn't mean you're washed up—you still have a lot to offer the world. That's why the theme for this May's Older Americans Month (sponsored by the Administration for Community Living) is “Make Your Mark.” And to really make that difference, you'll have to maintain your health—including protecting your teeth from loss.

Once upon a time, it was considered the norm for older adults to experience tooth loss and the resulting consequences on their overall well-being. Today, though, not only can advanced restorations lessen the impact of lost teeth, it's also more likely that you can keep your teeth intact for the rest of your life.

To give your teeth their best chance for survival in your later years, here are 3 things you can do to promote their continuing health.

Brush and floss every day. Ridding your teeth of disease-causing plaque on a daily basis is important at any age, but perhaps even more so as you get older. However, hand weakness caused by arthritis or another health condition can make it more difficult to brush and floss. It may help to use a larger-handled toothbrush or an electric toothbrush, and a threading device may help with flossing. If manual flossing is still too difficult, you can try a water flosser that emits a water stream to loosen and flush plaque away.

Relieve chronic dry mouth. Older adults are more prone to chronic dry mouth because of increased use of medications, many of which interfere with saliva flow. It's more than an unpleasant feeling: Deprived of the protective properties of saliva, your mouth is at increased risk of dental disease. If dry mouth is a problem for you, speak with your doctor about alternatives to any saliva-inhibiting medications you're taking. Also, drink more water and use saliva boosters to promote better saliva flow.

Keep up dental visits. Regular dental visits become even more important as you age. Dental cleanings are especially necessary, particularly if you have dental work that can interfere with plaque removal during brushing and flossing. Disease monitoring and screening are more in-depth for older adults who are more prone to tooth decay, gum disease and oral cancer. And if you wear dentures, you should have them checked regularly for fit and overall condition.

If you've already enjoyed decades of dedicated dental care, you need only stay the course. But even if you haven't, adopting new dental care habits now can boost your teeth's health and longevity. To get started, make an appointment with us: We'll assess your current dental health and offer a care strategy for keeping your teeth healthy through the next exciting season of your life.

If you would like more information about dental care for older adults, please contact us or schedule a consultation. To learn more, read the Dear Doctor magazine articles “Aging & Dental Health” and “Understanding Aging Makes Beauty Timeless.”

0 Comment(s) Permalink

Comments:






Subscribe to our RSS Feed

Archive:

  • 2021
      • January (3)
        • What's That on Your Teeth, Nick Jonas? How to Avoid a Similar Smile Oops
        • 3 Reasons For Preserving a Decayed Baby Tooth
        • Hockey Season Is Upon Us - Is Your Star Athlete Ready With Mouth Protection?
  • 2020
      • December (3)
        • Keep Your New Straightened Smile Straight With an Orthodontic Retainer
        • Kevin Bacon's Mango-Slicing Trick and Other Ways to Rid Food Between Your Teeth
        • Your Food's Micronutrients Make a Difference in Your Dental Health
      • November (3)
        • How to Care for Your Child's Valuable Primary Teeth
        • New Recommendations Make Water Fluoridation Safer Than Ever
        • Don't Eat 'Motorized' Corn on the Cob and Other Dental Safety Tips
      • October (4)
        • 4 Ways You Can Better Manage Dental Care for a Child with Down Syndrome
        • Covid 19 Protocols
        • Wisdom Teeth Bear Close Monitoring for Future Dental Health
        • How to Avoid This Painful Condition After Tooth Extraction
      • September (3)
        • Too Old to Straighten Your Smile? Not If You're Like These A-List Celebrities
        • 3 Ways to Protect Your Dental Work From an Early Demise
        • Get Your Teeth Examined if You Have Frequent Sinus Infections
      • August (3)
        • Your 'Toothache' Might Signal a Problem Other Than in Your Mouth
        • Hugh Jackman Is All Smiles for His New Broadway-Inspired Show
        • Studies Show Vaping May Not Be Safer for Oral Health Than Tobacco
      • July (3)
        • Implants Make Dentures More Secure, Comfortable and Bone-Friendly
        • We Need to Act Quickly to Save Your Loose Tooth
        • NHL Iron Man Keith Yandle Suffers Dental Trauma on Ice
      • June (3)
        • Follow These 4 Tips for More Comfortable Eating With Chronic Jaw Pain
        • Getting Implants Can Be a Long Process - But Worth it
        • Reducing Your Child's Dental Anxiety Now Could Benefit Them for a Lifetime
      • May (3)
        • Crazy Little Thing Called... Hyperdontia?
        • 3 Surprising Things You Should Be Doing to Improve Your Dental Health
        • 3 Things You Should Do to Protect Your Teeth Later in Life
      • April (3)
        • Too Much Sugar Can Wreck More Than Your Teeth
        • How Veneers Restored Howie Mandel's Winning Smile
        • Extracting a Tooth is a Routine Procedure
      • March (3)
        • Here's How to Avoid Dry Socket After Tooth Extraction Surgery
        • You may need a Periodontist to Fully Treat Your Gum Disease
        • Why Alfonso Ribeiro Is Grateful for Root Canal Treatment
      • February (3)
        • A Loose Tooth is a Sign of Deeper Dental Trouble
        • Why Gum Disease Could Affect More Than Your Oral Health
        • Wearing Dentures 24/7 May Not Be a Good Idea - Here's Why
      • January (4)
        • Worcester Dental Associates Pays Tribute to Its' Founder, Melvin Budish
        • Find Out How These Famous Celebrities Protect Their Smiles From Teeth Grinding
        • 4 Common Causes for Gum Recession
        • You May Need Orthodontics Before Replacing a Missing Tooth
  • 2019
      • December (3)
        • Here's How We Can Jazz up Your Holiday Smile This Season
        • The Real Truth Behind Ed Helms' Missing Tooth in "The Hangover"
        • Chronic Mouth Breathing Could Create Conditions for a Poor Bite
      • November (3)
        • Cleft Defects Can Be Overcome, Thanks to Advanced Surgical Procedures
        • Wearing a Retainer Will Protect Your New Smile After Braces
        • How Big Bang Theory Actress Mayim Bialik Gets Her Kids to Floss
      • October (4)
        • Orthodontics: More Than Straightening a Crooked Smile
        • Don't Delay Seeing the Dentist If You Suspect Gum Recession
        • Make Your Baby as Comfortable as Possible During Teething
        • Baseball's Francisco Lindor Shines as "Mr. Smile"
      • September (3)
        • Behavioral Therapy Could Reduce a Child's Dental Anxiety Without Drugs
        • Improving Hygiene Skills Maximizes Removal of Disease-Causing Plaque
        • Don't Let Gum Disease Cut Short Your Implant's Service Life
      • August (4)
        • WDA Founder Obtained Denture Teeth Patent on September 4, 1951
        • 2.6 Million Fans 'Like' Justin Bieber's Chipped Tooth
        • Don't Let Summer Heat Increase Your Risk of Dental Disease
        • Your Reoccurring Sinus Infections May Actually Be Caused by Tooth Decay
      • July (3)
        • Tooth Type and Condition can Affect Root Canal Therapy Effectiveness
        • Any Time, Any Place: Cam Newton's Guide to Flossing
        • This Rare Tongue Condition Often Looks Worse than it Actually is
      • June (3)
        • 3 Tips for Successful, Safe Home Teeth Whitening
        • Wisdom Teeth and What to Do About Them
        • Charlize Theron Back in Action After Dental Surgery
      • May (3)
        • Your Teenager's Teeth May Not Be Mature Enough for Veneers
        • See Your Dentist ASAP to Save Your Loose Tooth
        • Consider an Effective and Affordable RPD for Teeth Replacement
      • April (3)
        • Game, Set, Match: Milos Raonic Says A Mouthguard Helps Him Win
        • April Is National Facial Protection Month
        • Catch Root Resorption Early for Best Chances of Saving Your Tooth
      • March (3)
        • Composite Resin Could Amp up Your Teeth's Attractiveness in Just One Visit
        • Dental Injury Is Just a Temporary Setback for Basketball Star Kevin Love
        • If a Root Canal Can't be Done, this Procedure Might Save Your Tooth
      • February (3)
        • Legal or Not, Marijuana Poses a Health Risk to Your Gums
        • Local Anesthesia Takes the Pain Out of Most Dental Work
        • Healthy Smiles for Alfonso Ribeiro and Family
      • January (3)
        • Less-Invasive Pulp Capping Could Save Your Tooth
        • 3 Situations for Seeing a Periodontist
        • Topical Fluoride is a Safe Way to Protect Your Child's Teeth from Decay
  • 2018
      • December (3)
        • Spice Up Your Teeth
        • Wisdom Teeth Warrant Close Watch to Avoid Future Health Issues
        • Bitewing X-Rays Safely 'Reveal all' About Back Teeth to Prevent Tooth Decay
      • November (3)
        • Be Wary When Considering Botox Treatment for TMD
        • Fan of Superhero Film Black Panther Breaks Steel Wire...with Her Mouth!
        • Moderate Your Child's Juice Drinking to Lower Tooth Decay Risk
      • October (3)
        • Early Orthodontic Treatment Could Lessen Severity of Certain Bite Problems
        • No Need to Fret Over Implant Surgery
        • A Different Kind of "Chip Shot" for Pro Golfer Danielle Kang
      • September (3)
        • Lasers Could One Day be Commonplace for Treating Gum Disease
        • We can Build up Lost Bone Before Your Implant
        • What You Should Know About a Home Teeth Whitening Kit
      • August (3)
        • Singer Dua Lipa Sees the Wisdom in Postponing Tour Dates
        • Veneers may Offer a Less Invasive Way to Transform Your Smile
        • A Bonded Retainer Might Work for You after Orthodontic Treatment
      • July (3)
        • Diabetes Doesn't Have to Stop You From Acquiring Dental Implants
        • Julianne Hough Shares a Video - and a Song - After Wisdom Teeth Come Out
        • Be on the Alert for Gum Disease While Wearing Braces
      • June (3)
        • People Born with Missing Teeth can Still Gain a Beautiful Smile
        • 3 Areas to Watch to Avoid Excessive Tooth Wear
        • (Don't) Break It Like Beckham
      • May (3)
        • Managing Diabetes and Gum Disease Together will Lessen the Effect of Both
        • Simple Procedure Could Reduce Biting the Inside of Your Mouth
        • What You Should Know About Veneers for Teenagers
      • April (4)
        • Why Big Bang Theory Actress Mayim Bialik Couldn't Have Braces
        • Learn How To Protect Your Teeth During Stress Awareness Month
        • Why You Should Consider a Professional Procedure for Your Teeth Whitening
        • Instill Good Dental Habits in Your Child as Early as Possible
      • March (2)
        • Even Celebrities Like Jennifer Lawrence Aren't Immune From Bad Breath!
        • Don't Ignore Tooth Pain - You May Need a Root Canal
      • February (1)
        • Could Your Metal Allergy Keep You From Obtaining Dental Implants?
      • January (3)
        • Avoid Bone Loss around Tooth Roots through Regular Dental Care
        • Chrissy Teigen's Teeth-Grinding Troubles
        • Seek Immediate Treatment for this Advanced Form of Gingivitis
  • 2017
      • December (2)
        • A Long-Term Orthodontic Strategy Could Help Ensure an Attractive Smile Later in Life
        • Coaxing Impacted Teeth to the Right Position can Improve Your Smile
      • November (2)
        • Actor David Ramsey Discusses Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
        • Frequently Asked Questions About Diabetes and Oral Health
      • October (2)
        • FAQ: Dental Care During Pregnancy
        • The Timely Use of a Palatal Expander Could Help Correct a Cross-Bite
      • September (3)
        • How Kathy Bates Retains Her Movie-Star Smile
        • Sedation Can Help Create a More Positive Dental Experience for a Child
        • Master Illusionist Benefits from the Magic of Orthodontics
      • August (2)
        • Think You're Too Old for Orthodontics? Read This
        • Jamie Foxx Chips a Tooth - This Time by Accident!
      • July (2)
        • Add a Healthy Diet to Your Oral Cancer Prevention Strategy
        • Jimmy Fallon Can’t Catch a Break - Except in His Tooth
      • June (2)
        • Orthodontists can Use Other Tools with Braces for Complex Bite Problems
        • Expert Advice: Vivica A. Fox on Kissing and Oral health
      • May (2)
        • Dental Care is Difficult but not Impossible for a Special Needs Child
        • Actress Emma Stone Reveals How Thumb Sucking Affected Her Teeth
      • April (2)
        • Instill in Your Child the Daily Habit of Brushing and Flossing
        • Vivica's Veneers: the Making of a Hollywood Smile
      • March (3)
        • The Top 3 Oral Problems in America - and What You Should Do About Them
        • In Today's NFL, Oral Hygiene Takes Center Stage
        • Be Sure to have These 3 Essentials Covered Beforehand for Veneer Success
      • February (2)
        • No "Glee" in Tooth Grinding
        • Sedation, Along with Understanding, can Relieve Your Dental Visit Fears
      • January (2)
        • Fifth Harmony's Camila Cabello Chips a Tooth, but Concert Still "Worth It"
        • Treating Teeth Grinding Now Could Help Prevent Excessive Tooth Wear Later
  • 2016
      • December (2)
        • Life Is Sometimes a Grind for Brooke Shields
        • Research Confirms: Dental Sealants Really Work!
      • November (2)
        • Dental Crowns for the King of Magic
        • 4 Reasons you may want Your Dentist to Whiten Your Teeth
      • October (2)
        • America's (Dentists) Got Talent - for Fixing Damaged or Missing Teeth!
        • An Assortment of Orthodontic Tools helps us Solve Complex Bite Problems
      • September (2)
        • Dr. Travis Stork: If Only I'd Worn A Mouthguard!
        • Gum Recession Could Shorten the Life of Your Teeth
      • August (3)
        • Dental Magic Transforms Smiles
        • Your Options for Restoring a Chipped Tooth
        • Neil Patrick Harris: What the Oscars Host Treasures Most
      • July (2)
        • We may Still be Able to Save Your Tooth with a Root Canal Alternative
        • Kathy Bates Plays It Smart With Professional Teeth Whitening
      • June (2)
        • Keeping Gum Disease at Bay Could Help Your Overall Health
        • Noah Galloway's Dentally Dangerous Dancing
      • May (2)
        • Dental Porcelain is a Great Option for Creating a Natural Appearance
        • A Royal Fix
      • April (2)
        • Staining Within a Tooth Requires a Clinical Whitening Approach
        • Giancarlo Stanton Gets Major-League Mouth Protection
      • March (3)
        • A Teen's Missing Tooth May Require a Temporary Replacement
        • Johnny's Teeth Aren't Rotten Any More
        • Oral Sedation Helps Reduce Anxiety During Dental Treatment
      • February (2)
        • Tom Hanks' Abscessed Tooth Gets Cast Away
        • Although a Global Problem, Tooth Decay can be Prevented
      • January (2)
        • Actor David Ramsey Says: Don't Forget to Floss!
        • Changing Antibiotic Use Today will Help Ensure Their Effectiveness Tomorrow
  • 2015
      • December (2)
        • Dr. Travis Stork: Don't Ignore Bleeding Gums
        • Closing the Gap Between Front Teeth Can Create a More Attractive Smile
      • November (3)
        • Jason Derulo's Ideal Match
        • With Proper Management, Dental Implants can be a Reality for Diabetics
        • Sofia Vergara: 'Obsessed' With Oral Hygiene
      • October (2)
        • Is Laser Treatment a Good Option for Controlling Gum Disease?
        • Eden Sher and the Lost Retainer
      • September (2)
        • Palatal Expansion Could Head Off Future Orthodontic Treatment
        • A Toothless Tiger?
      • August (2)
        • The Perils of a Loose Permanent Tooth - and What to do About it
        • Dwight Howard: A Bright NBA Star With a Smile to Match
      • July (2)
        • A Healthy Diet Could Lower Your Risk of Oral Cancer
        • New Front Teeth for a Teenaged David Duchovny
      • June (2)
        • Teeth Whitening: Know Your Options
        • Beyonce Makes Flossing a Family Affair
      • May (3)
        • Orthodontic Headgear: What It Is and Why It May be Needed
        • Jerry Rice's Advice on Protecting Your Children's Teeth
        • Welcome to Our Blog

Tags

  • mouthguard (2)
  • oral health (16)
  • dental injuries (2)
  • orthodontics (6)
  • headgear (2)
  • oral hygiene (15)
  • teeth whitening (8)
  • dental implants (10)
  • nutrition (3)
  • oral cancer (2)
  • braces (8)
  • loose teeth (1)
  • crowns (3)
  • palatal expander (2)
  • laser dentistry (1)
  • gum disease (10)
  • cosmetic dentistry (6)
  • orthodontic treatment (14)
  • frenectomy (1)
  • antibiotics (1)
  • tooth decay (6)
  • abscessed tooth (1)
  • sedation dentistry (3)
  • oral sedation (1)
  • partial denture (1)
  • bridge (1)
  • athletic mouthguards (1)
  • bonding (1)
  • dental emergency (1)
  • dental injury (5)
  • root canal treatment (3)
  • apicoectomy (2)
  • wisdom teeth (6)
  • chipped tooth (4)
  • gum recession (3)
  • chipped teeth (1)
  • sealants (1)
  • pediatric dentistry (11)
  • teeth grinding (3)
  • tooth grinding (1)
  • veneers (3)
  • thumb sucking (1)
  • porcelain veneers (4)
  • mouthguards (5)
  • retainers (3)
  • pregnancy (1)
  • dental care (1)
  • diabetes (3)
  • periodontal disease (3)
  • teeth wear (1)
  • tooth pain (2)
  • bad breath (1)
  • oral heath (1)
  • bruxism (1)
  • night guard (1)
  • oral surgery (2)
  • tooth wear (1)
  • missing teeth (1)
  • retainer (2)
  • bone grafting (2)
  • tmj disorders (2)
  • tmd (1)
  • x-ray (1)
  • topical fluoride (1)
  • periodontist (1)
  • pulp capping (1)
  • local anesthesia (1)
  • marijuana (1)
  • oral-health (1)
  • composite resin (1)
  • root resorption (1)
  • removable partial denture (1)
  • loose tooth (3)
  • dentures (2)
  • celebrity smiles (14)
  • teething (1)
  • cleft lip (1)
  • cleft palate (1)
  • smile makeover (1)
  • dry socket (2)
  • tooth extractions (1)
  • sugar (1)
  • extraction (1)
  • dental implant (1)
  • jaw pain (1)
  • vaping (1)
  • toothache (1)
  • dental exam (1)
  • fluoride (1)

Categories:

  • None (1)
  • Oral Health (75)
  • Dental Procedures (98)

Our Location

88 Pleasant St
Worcester, MA 01609-3204
(508) 798-0627

Map & directions

Office Hours
Monday: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Tuesday: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Wednesday: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Thursday: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Friday: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
  • Home
  • Staff
  • Office
  • Services
  • New Patients
  • Patient Education
  • Contact Us
  • Appointment Request
  • Website for Dentist Copyright © MH Sub I, LLC dba Officite
  • Disclaimer
  • Patient Privacy
  • Site Map