Older people have been advised to take extra care with their dentures and make regular visits to the dentist in order to maintain a healthy mouth.
The Pennsylvania Dental Association provided tips for those aged over 65 on how to ensure good oral health care, including going to see a dentist every six months for a check-up and professional clean.
Dentist Dr Craig Pate, a PDA member, said: “Since poor fitting dentures can lead to a host of problems, it is very important that patients continue to visit their dentist annually.”
He also encouraged older patients to consider new alternative treatments to dentures such as dental implants, which he described as a “life-changing procedure”.
Dr Lawrence Singer of the Connecticut State Dental Association recently explained how people aged over 65 have a higher risk of developing oral illnesses and should therefore ensure they brush twice a day, floss and use mouthwash.
The PDA conducted research that found 26 per cent of Americans aged over 65 had none of their natural teeth remaining, a decrease from 27.6 per cent from 2004 to 2007.
