Dental advice for older adults

• Many common foods and snacks have sugar in them. Eating foods with high levels of sugar causes tooth decay.

• Limit foods with added sugars, especially between meals. If you eat sweet or sticky foods, they are best eaten at meal times to reduce the chance of decay.

• Try not to add sugar to food or drinks such as tea and coffee.

• Enjoy a wide variety of nutritious foods from the five food groups every day, including; fruit, vegetables, grains and cereals, dairy, lean meat, fish and eggs.

• Nutritious foods are important for general health and oral health.

• Drink plenty of tap water throughout the day.

• Most of Victoria’s tap water supply has fluoride in it. Fluoride protects teeth from decay.

• Remember that shop bought bottled water usually does not have fluoride in it.

• Brushing teeth removes plaque (the build-up on teeth) that causes tooth decay.

• Brush all surfaces of the teeth and gums twice a day (after breakfast and before bed).

• Use a soft toothbrush or electric toothbrush.

• Use a suitable fluoride toothpaste. Ask your dentist if you should use standard or high strength fluoride toothpaste.

• After brushing, spit out toothpaste. Do not swallow it or rinse with water.

• If tooth brushing is not possible (due to physical conditions or other issues), seek advice from your dentist.

• Ask your dentist if they recommend flossing for you.

How to brush your teeth (including dentures) guide>>

• If you wear dentures, remember to also brush you gums and tongue twice a day with a soft toothbrush.

• Clean dentures after meals to remove food and plaque.

• Dentures should be taken out overnight. Clean dentures well using liquid soap and a soft toothbrush. After cleaning, dentures can either be kept in a cup of fresh cold water, or left to dry.

• If your dentures are painful see your dental professional.

• How to brush your teeth (including dentures) guide>>

• Speak with your dentist about whether fluoride mouthrinse is right for you.

• Chewing sugar free gum can be part of the oral hygiene routine for older adults.

• Ask your dentist if chewing sugar free gum is right for you.

• Everyone has different oral health needs.

• Talk with your dentist about your risk level and how often you need to have an oral health check.

• See your dentist if you have:
  – pain in your mouth
  – bleeding gums
  – any sores, lumps or discoloured patches in your mouth

• Visit your public dental clinic or private dentist

Who is eligible? >>
Find your nearest community dental clinic >>
Services for homebound patients (Domiciliary)>>

• Smoking is a major cause of mouth cancer. Quit smoking to reduce your risk.

• Smoking causes gum disease. Quit smoking for healthier gums.

• Quit smoking to improve the health of your mouth, gums and teeth.Your dentist will discuss your child’s needs and plan how often your child should have their teeth checked.

• Some medications can cause dry mouth (xerostomia). Having a dry mouth increases your risk of tooth decay. Ask your pharmacist, doctor or dentist if the medication you take causes dry mouth.

• Check if the medications you are taking are sugar free. If not, ask if a sugar free option is available. Otherwise, rinse your mouth out with water after taking medication which has sugar in it.