Q: As I get older will I start losing teeth?
A: Not if you keep taking care of them. Tooth loss is not an inevitable part of aging. Keep these facts in mind if you are over 50: The danger of dental decay is not the sole province of youth. Continue to brush at least twice a day, and particularly after meals, and use floss to get between teeth where brushing might not dislodge food particles and plaque. Keep your dentist informed about any other health issues you're dealing with. This can affect your dental treatment.
If you have full dentures, clean your mouth and dentures thoroughly every day, and continue with regular visits to your dentist to have both your mouth and dentures checked. Denture alignment sometimes needs to be adjusted. Maintain a healthy, balanced diet and avoid sweet food and beverages between meals. If you have developed sensitive areas on your teeth, your dentist may be able to recommend special toothpaste, in addition to fluoride toothpaste. Finally, visit your dentist as many times as is appropriate for the state of your oral health. Talk with your dentist about the special concerns for baby boomers.
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