What Dental Tools Should People Use After Age 50?

Cleanings & Prevention

First things first, congratulations on taking your dental health seriously! It is just as important for a 50 year old to take good care of their teeth as it is for a 5 year old, so the fact that you are looking at what dental tools you should be using is a good sign that you are on the right track regardless of age.

There are a variety of tools which will come in handy, some of which you would be very familiar with, and others which may be new to you. Let’s take a look at which dental tools are suitable for a person above the age of 50.

Whitening Products

If you find your teeth have become very stained over time and with old age, you may consider using whitening products to put the dazzle back in your smile. These come in many forms, the most common one available for purchase and home use being whitening strips, which is essentially a layer of peroxide-based gel over your teeth.

Some kinds of toothpaste and types of mouthwash also contain hydrogen peroxide, which have a whitening effect on your teeth over time. A 2013 study showed that using toothpaste or mouthwash with hydrogen peroxide for 12 weeks achieved similar whitening results to two weeks of whitening gel. Do speak with your dentist for advice before using such products, however. You can also get teeth professionally whitened to save the hassle.

Electric Toothbrush

If you use an electric toothbrush, studies show that you can reduce plaque 21 percent more effectively than using a manual toothbrush. These toothbrushes should have a round, oscillating head, instead of one with a vibrating head. Preferred varieties would feature a two-minute timer and a pressure indicator.

Manual Toothbrush

Have a preference for manual toothbrushes? No problem. Just be sure to replace it every three months, and do some extra flossing and rinsing with mouthwash to eliminate germs or stuck food particles. Do look out for brushes with soft or extra soft bristles so as to avoid abrasion to the gums. Soft bristles are also more effective at removing plaque. Brushes with multilevel or angled bristles are best.

Floss

Brushing teeth is never enough. Go for traditional types of floss that you wrap around your finger, as these are much more effective than the ones on sticks. A thicker, more rigid floss is better than a slick, thin one, as they are able to grab hold of sticky plaque and food particles unlike thinner floss.

Mouthwash

Look for types of mouthwash which contain active ingredients chlorhexidine, chlorine dioxide and cetylpyridinium chloride, as well as essential oils like eucalyptus, menthol, thymol and methyl salicylate. These are antimicrobial mouthwashes that help counter bad breath. If your concern is plaque and gingivitis, prioritize cetylpyridinium chloride and chlorhexidine, and additional fluoride helps against cavities.

Toothpaste

For gingivitis and bleeding gum problems, toothpaste with stannuous fluoride is best. To counter sensitive teeth, look for potassium nitrate. Charcoal toothpastes may be all the rage, but are too abrasive and not recommended; similarly, ‘natural’ toothpastes fail to remove plaque effectively.

If you have dental concerns, be sure to book a consultation with a dentist who can give you a proper diagnosis of your needs.

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