Oral Health for Seniors

Dry Mouth

Did You Know…

Seniors are at higher risk of dry mouth due to:

  • dehydration & mouth breathing
  • medications
  • conditions like diabetes & Alzheimer’s
  • radiation & chemotherapy

It Helps To Use…

  • an electric toothbrush for more effective brushing
  • high fluoride toothpaste, or a fluoride rinse
  • temporary saliva replacements
  • chew sugar-free gum to increase saliva production

Teeth Whitening

Age, medication, smoking, stains from wine, tea and coffee — all contribute to darker teeth.

Be aware of the pros & cons for brightening your smile…

Did You Know…

Whitening your teeth is an inexpensive way to:

  • boost your confidence
  • enjoy your smile
  • feel healthier

Be Aware

  • exposed roots may cause sensitivity
  • fillings & crowns will not change colour
  • Follow your dentist ‘s instructions for safe
use of whitening products

Painful Mouth

Did You Know…

  • untreated pain that goes away may still mean nerve damage
  • broken teeth without pain could still indicate a bone infection
  • gum pain may be an abscess or infection
  • oral cancer is difficult to detect but your dentist is an expert

Get Help

  • the Canadian Dental Care Plan can make dental visits more affordable
  • care providers should ask for help to get loved ones to the dentist
  • Community clinics or U of M School of Dentistry may be able to help
A women sitting in a dentist chair during teeth whitening procedure.

Whitening your teeth is an inexpensive way to:

  • boost your confidence
  • enjoy your smile
  • feel healthier
  • exposed roots may cause sensitivity
  • fillings & crowns will not change colour
  • Follow your dentist ‘s instructions for safe
use of whitening products
A close-up shot of a person's mouth.

Seniors are at higher risk of dry mouth due to:

  • dehydration & mouth breathing
  • medications
  • conditions like diabetes & Alzheimer’s
  • radiation & chemotherapy
  • an electric toothbrush for more effective brushing
  • high fluoride toothpaste, or a fluoride rinse
  • temporary saliva replacements
  • chew sugar-free gum to increase saliva production
A men experiences pain in the mouth.
  • untreated pain that goes away may still mean nerve damage
  • broken teeth without pain could still indicate a bone infection
  • gum pain may be an abscess or infection
  • oral cancer is difficult to detect but your dentist is an expert
  • the Canadian Dental Care Plan can make dental visits more affordable
  • care providers should ask for help to get loved ones to the dentist
  • Community clinics or U of M School of Dentistry may be able to help
Root canal
Dentures
A doctor signs paper documents.

Canadian Dental Care Plan

A woman smiles warmly while sitting in a dental chair.

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