60 years: treat yourself to a dental check-up
From the age of 60, the oral system begins to deteriorate. To keep your teeth in good condition, it is therefore essential to go to your dentist every year for a check-up.
He will carry out a precise inventory of your oral health and will consider, if necessary, possible treatments. Mobility, wear, loss of teeth, pain, cavities and other periodontal disease: it is essential to prevent or cure any dysfunction. If you are not used to this, this is the opportunity to make good resolutions: your dental capital depends on it.
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60 years old: regular descaling essential
At all ages of life, tartar is deposited on the teeth. If it is not removed regularly, dental plaque forms and accumulates little by little under the gumline. The key: risks of inflammation and loosening of the teeth.
Take advantage of your annual visit to the dentist to perform a scaling. This operation can be repeated one to three times a year, depending on your personal needs.
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60 years: thorough tooth brushing
Over the years, tooth enamel becomes brittle and fragile. The teeth turn yellow and take on a gray tint. Cavities are also more numerous. The gums also become more fragile and tend to retract. The risk in case of periodontal disease: the loss of teeth.
To maintain strong teeth, it is therefore essential to maintain rigorous oral hygiene. To do this, brush your teeth thoroughly after each meal. Start with the gums and then work your way back down to the teeth with gentle rotating movements. Brush for 2 to 3 minutes minimum.
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60 years old: the art of successful toothbrushing
To brush your teeth effectively and without damaging your gums, use a toothbrush with soft synthetic bristles and a small head to access all surfaces of the teeth. For effective brushing remember that the toothbrush should be changed at least every 3 months.
Electric toothbrushes can be a good alternative, but be careful not to put too much pressure on the gums when brushing. Use a toothpaste containing fluoride, if necessary suitable for sensitive gums. You can finally complete your dental brushing by using dental floss and interdental brushes in order to remove the remains of plaque and food residues.
Note: with age the amount of saliva, an essential element of protection of the teeth and the oral mucosa, decreases. Result: from the age of 60, the prevalence of cavities increases. To strengthen the teeth and better protect them against the risk of cavities, your dentist can therefore establish a daily fluoride balance sheet to assess your fluoride intake and offer you appropriate supplementation if necessary. Don’t hesitate to talk to him about it.
With the collaboration of Dr Emilie BEAU, dentist.
