Gaps? No thank you

Modern dentistry offers older people adequate dental replacements. These have to fit perfectly, meet aesthetic requirements and be easy to clean. Where people need care, the cleaning of teeth and of any dental work has to be done by their carers. It is important to find out what kind of dental work the patient has. Partial and full dentures have to be taken out daily for cleaning. The fit of removable dentures has to be checked regularly and adjusted where necessary. Badly fitting work makes speaking and above all eating more difficult – and for many people in need of care that is a challenge anyway

Care is a duty: for your own teeth and for the false ones

Teeth change with age: enamel, jawbone and gums become more vulnerable, the flow of saliva declines and the teeth are less protected against acid attack. Illness and a weakened immune system can have a negative effect on dental health. All of that makes intensive care necessary

But natural accompaniments of age, such as declining eyesight or declining fine motor skills, also prevent the ideal cleaning of teeth, of the spaces between them and of dental work. The usual toothbrushes, floss or interdental brushes can no longer be used independently. Nonetheless the right care is a must, and it is possible in daily life with simple aids and the support of relatives or nursing staff. The abilities that older people still have should be drawn into their care

What matters is being able to see what you are doing. Older people should wear their glasses where necessary and brush their teeth in front of a well-lit mirror, ideally a magnifying one. Carers too should make sure the light is good during dental care