IN YOUR 60s…

Fix common problems

RISK MANY MEDICATIONS – INCLUDING BLOOD PRESSURE PILLS AND ANTIDEPRESSANTS – CAN CAUSE A DRY MOUTH, WHICH IN TURN CAUSES DIFFICULTY CHEWING AND SWALLOWING. BUT ALSO LESS SALIVA MEANS THAT PLAQUE ACCUMULATES.

SOLUTION YOUR DENTIST CAN PRESCRIBE A LUBRICATING GEL, WHICH CREATES ARTIFICIAL SALIVA AND GIVES SOME RELIEF.

RISK WOMEN IN THEIR 60S CAN HAVE GUM RECESSION CAUSED BY OVER-BRUSHING, USING A BRUSH THAT’S TOO BIG AND TOO HARD, AND THINNING OF THE TISSUE FROM LOSS OF OESTROGEN. THE EXPOSED ROOT THEN CAUSES SENSITIVITY.

SOLUTION YOUR DENTIST CAN APPLY A LIQUID FILM OF DESENSITISER, WHICH LASTS FOR SIX MONTHS. USE A DESENSITISING TOOTHPASTE LIKE SENSODYNE AND, WHEN YOU FINISH RINSING, USE YOUR FINGER TO RUB PASTE INTO THE EXPOSED ROOT.

RISK SINCE THE ROOT IS JUST DENTINE WITH NO PROTECTIVE ENAMEL, IT’S MUCH SOFTER AND IS MORE PRONE TO CAVITIES. IF THERE IS A DEEP CAVITY IN AN EXPOSED ROOT, DECAY OCCURS VERY FAST.

SOLUTION YOUR DENTIST CAN APPLY FLUORIDE VARNISH TO STRENGTHEN AN EXPOSED ROOT. IF THERE IS A DEEP ROOT CAVITY, YOUR DENTIST CAN APPLY A FILLING TO BUILD UP THE ROOT AGAIN. IT’S POSSIBLE TO HAVE A GUMCOLOURED PINK FILLING, WHICH CAN MAKE IT LOOK LIKE THE GUM IS STILL THERE. IT’S COSMETIC, BUT MAKES THE EXPOSED ROOT LESS SENSITIVE.