As we age caring for our physical health, including hearing, eyesight, dental and GP visits, becomes increasingly important but high costs can see some seniors putting off regular checks.
When it comes to teeth, dental visits can be costly but retaining teeth in good working order is important.
Tooth decay occurs when mouth bacteria produce acids which soften the tooths outer enamel. Progression of decay can lead to pain, infection, and tooth loss. It may also lead to difficulty eating and sleeping.
Three simple steps to help maintain healthy teeth:
- Gently brush teeth twice daily (after breakfast and at night) with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
- After brushing, spit but don’t rinse your mouth with water. This way, fluoride in the toothpaste will continue to help reverse early decay while you sleep.
- Use interdental brushes, dental floss or toothpicks to clean between the teeth at least twice a week (daily if possible).
Avoid sugary snacks between meals and try avoiding sugar in tea or coffee. Sugar helps feed bacteria in the mouth, producing weak acids which attack the tooth surface.
If you are below a certain asset limit Work and Income may assist with some dental treatment and some dentists may give a discount if presented with a SuperGold card.
