Woman’s Weekly Living Series – July 2019

TooTh care

What matters now?
Tooth sensitivity.
Why? Over-brushing can
wear away the enamel,
causing your teeth to
become more sensitive,
says Sameer. ‘When
you’re brushing
your teeth,
thoroughness is
essential – but
make sure that
this does not stray
into aggressive
scrubbing!’

Expert advice

l Go back to the baby
advice – brushing in

a circular motion, with

your toothbrush held at a

45-degree angle, to ensure

you are cleaning your gums

as well as your teeth.

l Use a soft brush

• preferably
  one that’s
  designed
  for sensitive
  teeth.
  l Do not
  ‘saw’ back
  and forth,
  and if you’re
  squashing the
  bristles on your brush,
  then it is a sign you’re
  brushing too hard.

In your 60s

What matters now?

Gum disease.

Why? Gum disease is one of the biggest threats

to your oral health. It causes swelling of the

gums and, if it gets worse, it can damage the

bone and ligaments that hold your teeth in

place. It is extremely common, with statistics

suggesting that those over 65 are more prone

to developing periodontal disease, says Sameer.

‘There are several stages of gum disease, from

easily treatable gum inflammation to far more

serious cases, which can lead to tooth loss.’

Expert advice

lAdopt a good brushing technique,

which will enable you to avoid the

build-up of plaque.

l Make regular visits to the dentist, who can

look out for early warning signs of gum disease.

l Ensure you have regular professional

cleaning and hygienist appointments

to help remove the plaque that is harder

to reach with a standard toothbrush.

What matters now?

Thinking about dentures.

Why? If you’re having

trouble chewing or eating,

this can be a sign of tooth

decay, cavities or gum

disease, and – especially

if you also have some

tooth loss, or gaps

appearing between your

teeth – you may need

dentures or artificial

implants, says Sameer.

Expert

advice

lBe

careful to

thoroughly

clean all

of your

remaining

teeth

vigilantly,

as well as

your gums

and tongue,

twice

a day,

using a

fluoride

toothpaste

to prevent

decay, gum

disease and other

dental problems.

lIf you have dentures,

clean them daily

with denture-specific

cleaner. Ask your dentist

for advice. ‘If your

dentures aren’t properly

looked after, they can

cause you pain and

discomfort, and also

ead to a build-up of

bacteria,’ says Sameer.

lRemove dentures for

at least four hours during

your waking day, to give

the lining of your mouth a

rest and to keep it healthy.

Remove them at night,

too, and keep them moist.

70s and beyond

In your 50s

tooth tIp

Try a TePe Select

Compact Extra Soft

Brush (£2.09, amazon.

co.uk) if the gag

reflex affects

you.