{"id":19,"date":"2011-10-05T17:45:27","date_gmt":"2011-10-05T17:45:27","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.asprosbadgerdental.com\/?p=19"},"modified":"2018-01-19T15:00:21","modified_gmt":"2018-01-19T15:00:21","slug":"aging-root-cavities-and-lifesavers-part-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tallahasseesmiles.com\/blog\/2011\/10\/05\/aging-root-cavities-and-lifesavers-part-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Aging, Root Cavities and LifeSavers Part 2"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Last time we explored why we have an increased risk of cavities on the roots of the teeth as we get older.\u00a0 Today we are addressing what can be done to keep those roots cavity free.\u00a0 As we age our dexterity diminishes, so brushing and flossing becomes more difficult.\u00a0 This allows more plaque to accumulate.\u00a0 Below I have delineated specific things you can do to hold decay at bay.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Use an electric tooth brush. \u00a0\u00a0It is essential. \u00a0\u00a0With decreased ability to handle a brush and floss, the electric brush does the work.\u00a0 You just need to place the brush at the gum line.\u00a0 \u00a0I recommend them for all patients, especially the elderly. \u00a0Get a good one! \u00a0I like the Sonicare or the Oral B.<\/li>\n<li>Flossing is essential for removal of plaque on the surfaces between the teeth. \u00a0That\u2019s 40 percent of the tooth. \u00a0Many elderly folks cannot manipulate floss on cramped or arthritic fingers. \u00a0If you can\u2019t floss, rubber tip cones, proxy brushes or stimudents are aides you can use that will greatly help get at those in between the teeth areas.<\/li>\n<li>More frequent visits to the dentist for routine cleanings. I recommend 3-4 cleanings a year for elderly patients, especially those who consistently show up with heavy plaque at their cleanings. If you can\u2019t do it, let us help you! \u00a0The longer plaque sits on your gums and teeth, the more likely decay will develop.<\/li>\n<li>Fluoride can help harden root surfaces and therefore make them less susceptible to cavity formation. \u00a0Use a concentrated fluoride rinse or tooth paste at home. \u00a0Get fluoride treatments in the office. \u00a0We can paint a varnish on the surfaces that has a longer lasting benefit.<\/li>\n<li>Many older people combat their dry mouths with sucking candies.\u00a0 \u00a0The sucking candies help increase saliva flow which makes their mouths more lubricated and comfortable. \u00a0Many people suck on them all day. \u00a0My parents have bowls of them around the house.\u00a0 \u00a0That\u2019s fine;\u00a0 BUT\u2026 they need to be sugarless! \u00a0Sugared candies that you suck on are the absolute worst thing you can use. \u00a0When you suck on a candy that is sugared, the plaque on the teeth creates acids for hours. \u00a0When you suck on these throughout the day, the teeth are bathed in acids continually! Get sugar free candies and all is OK. \u00a0Lifesavers make them and so does Jolly Ranchers, along with other candy makers. Sugar free gum is also good for combating the acids that bacteria in the plague create.\u00a0 As a matter of fact dentists recommend sugar free gum after eating if you can\u2019t brush right away.<\/li>\n<li>Do yourself and your teeth a favor, throw them a sugar free Lifesaver!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Last time we explored why we have an increased risk of cavities on the roots of the teeth as we get older.\u00a0 Today we are addressing what can be done to keep those roots cavity free.\u00a0 As we age our dexterity diminishes, so brushing and flossing becomes more difficult.\u00a0 This allows more plaque to accumulate.\u00a0 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6,1],"tags":[7,19,20,23,32,33,36],"class_list":["post-19","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-preventive-dentistry","category-uncategorized","tag-asporos-and-badger-dental-associates","tag-dr-","tag-dr-badger","tag-general-dentistry","tag-preventive-dentistry","tag-preventive-dentistry-asporos-and-badger","tag-tallahassee-dentistry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Aging, Root Cavities and LifeSavers Part 2 - Boyd &amp; 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