Use It or Lose It (Daily Care)
Many older adults wear these removable replacements for missing teeth
What are dentures
Dentures should be removed and cleaned daily, but they should never be cleaned with this common oral hygiene product
**What is toothpaste
Many medications reduce the production of this substance that helps protect teeth
**What is saliva
Severe gum dais allows bacteria to enter the bloodstream, which as been closely linked to an increased risk of this type of major cardiovascular event.
**What is a heart attack or stroke
This vital nutrient is great for strong bones, and skipping this can lead to weak teeth and a higher risk of gum disease.
**What is Calcium, or vitamin D
Because arthritis or stroke recovery can make holding a standard toothbrush difficult, dentists often recommend switching to this alternative.
**What is an electric toothbrush
Many denture wearers use this product to help keep their dentures securely in place
What is denture adhesive
Drinking plenty of this can help relieve symptoms of dry mouth
What is water
Poor oral health has been linked to increased risk of this common heart related condition
What is heart disease
Because its highly acidic and packed with sugar, sipping on this warm beverage all morning long can cause severe enamel erosion.
**What is coffee and/or tea with sugar?
Dentist recommend visiting them regularly for these preventative appointments
What are dental checkups
Even if you have no natural teeth, dentists still recommend cleaning this part of your mouth every day
**What are the gums
This sugar free product can help stimulate the production of saliva when chewed
**What is sugar free gum
Managing gum disease is a two-way street for people with this chronic blood sugar condition, as infection makes it harder to control glucose levels
**What is diabetes
Often recommended as a healthy snack, these sticky, chewy snacks are major culprits for pulling out loose crowns or fillings and trapping sugar against teeth.
What are dried fruits like raisins or prunes?
This tiny, wire and bristle brush is designed specifically to clean the larger gaps between teeth and around dental bridges where transitional floss can't reach.
**What is an interdental brush?
To give your jaw a rest and prevent dangerous fungal infections, you should never do this while sleeping if you wear dentures.
**What is leave them in, or wearing dentures to bed
Dentists should be informed about all these that you take, whether prescribed or over the counter
What are medications
Regular dental visits can help detect this serious disease early when it develops in the mouth
**What is oral cancer
Crunching down on this frozen item, a very common habit for refreshing the mouth, is a leading cause of cracked teeth and broken dental work in older adults.
**What is ice
This disease effects the gums and supporting bone around teeth and is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults
What is periodontal disease, or gum disease
Ill fitting dentures can cause these painful areas inside the mouth
What are sore spots, or mouth sores
This healthcare professional can help identify medications that may contribute to dry mouth
Who is a pharmacist
Seniors with poor oral hygiene are at a higher risk for this serious lung infection, caused by accidentally inhaling oral bacteria into the respiratory tract.
**What is aspiration pneumonia?
This specific beverage, often consumed at dinner or at night, can dry out your mouth and cause your stomach acid to back up, severely eroding your teeth while you rest.
**What is alcohol, wine/liquor