Senior Citizens

The American Dental Association reports that 70% of seniors that were surveyed had a regular dental checkup at least once per year. Almost a third of adults have all 28 teeth and 50% of adults aged 55 or older wear partial or complete dentures. Whether caring for original teeth or dentures, seniors face a range of special oral health concerns.

Dr. Stewart not only cares for and treats the conditions common to seniors but also coaches his patients in age-appropriate dental care. Daily brushing and flossing protect seniors' teeth from two common problems that come with getting older:

• Root decay is a condition that affects older adults if a great amount of root surface is exposed
• The weakening or chipping of older fillings can also cause tooth decay.

As Dr. Stewart will advise you, dentures—full or partial—should be brushed daily with a soft toothbrush or denture cleaning brush, using a commercially prepared denture powder or paste, hand soap or baking soda. Toxic or abrasive household cleaners should never be used. Dentures should be brushed inside and outside, and rinsed with cool water. You should always brush remaining natural teeth and gums, especially those teeth supporting a partial denture. When not in use, dentures should be covered with water or a denture cleaning solution to prevent drying.