Dental Care For Seniors

More Information

For Who: Seniors covered under OSDCP. Location: Bramalea & Malton Sites. Appointment by: Phone 905.799.7700. Languages offered: English, Hindi, Punjabi, Gujarati, Urdu, Cantonese, Tagalog, Arabic, Mandarin.

Oral Health Guide for Adults

Prevention

Brush 2 times a day with fluoride and a soft toothbrush. Floss daily. Avoid tobacco products. Avoid alcohol. Avoid constant snacking. Regular visits to the dentist

Denture Care

Clean denture 2 times a day. Clean over water filles sink. Clean with a denture brush using only water or a special non-abrasive toothpaste. Check mouth and gums after removing dentures for signs of irritation, redness or swelling.

Selecting Dental Products

Choosing a Toothbrush:

A soft bristled brush is best for removing plaque from your teeth and along the gum line. The best toothbrush is one that fits your mouth and allows you to reach all teeth easily. Replace your toothbrush when it begins to show wear, or every three months.

Choosing a Toothpaste:

Toothpaste that contains fluoride helps to strengthen the outer tooth enamel of our teeth. For sensitivity use toothpaste formulated for sensitive teeth.

Choosing a Mouthwash:

Anti-bacterial mouthwashes are more effective in controlling plaque. Fluoride rinses strengthen teeth to prevent tooth decay and cavities.

Choosing Floss:

If you have trouble using the floss around your fingers, you can use floss holders.

Oral Health Tips

Avoid sweet foods and drinks especially sticky and hard candies, fruit gummies, fruit juices, energy drinks, and pop. If you eat and drink sweet things, then finish it within 5 minutes to limit the duration and frequency of sugar on your teeth. Limit the frequency and time of eating and drinking. For example, drink quickly instead of sipping throughout the day.

Mouth Matters - Dental Advice for that Perfect Smile

How to Floss

Measure a piece of floss from the tips of your fingers to your elbow. Wrap the floss around the middle finger of each hand, leaving small piece of floss between your hands. Hold that floss using your thumbs and index fingers. Floss has to be pulled tight. Use your index fingers and thumbs to slide floss between two teeth in a back-and-forth motion. Wrap floss in a c-shape around the tooth and move floss gently under the gum. Move floss up and down a couple of times along the sides of each tooth.

How To Brush Your Teeth

Brush your teeth at least 2 times a day for 2 minutes each time. Once in morning and at night before bed. Place a pea-sized amount of toothpaste on your brush. Brush the outside of each tooth. Place toothbrush bristles at a 45-degree angle at your gumline. Move the brush in small circles gently, then sweep brush away from gums. Brush the inside of each tooth. Sweeping the brush away from gums. Brush the chewing surface of each tooth, moving in a back-and-forth motion. Brush the surface of you tongue to get rid of the germs and keep your breath fresh. Before teeth: Wipe baby's gums and tongue with washcloth moistened with water after every feeding.

Healthy Eating

Strong, healthy teeth and gums directly result from proper eating habits. Try to choose snacks that do not contain sugar like dairy, bread, vegetables, and fruit. If you do eat something sweet or sticky it should be eaten with meals or when teeth can be brushed afterwards.

Regular Dental Visits

Be sure to have regular dental check-ups with your oral care health team. To arrange for an appointment at the Health n'Smiles office, please call 905.799.8748.