Surrey Homes | SH45 | July 2018 | Interiors supplement inside

Health
Tooth
wisdom
Teeth always matter, but as
we get older the key issues in
looking after them can change
– we asked two dentists to give
us their expert tips on how to
keep smiling down the years
Russell Blanchard BDS
StoneRock Dental Care, Hawkhurst
What are the most important things to do
to safeguard your teeth over the age of 50?
A good day-to-day cleaning regime and a diet low in sugar
and acidity is as important over 50 as it is under, for the health
of our teeth. As we grow older there may be an increased
reduction in saliva production, which is very important
to protect the teeth, so with specific advice and products
such as Xylitiol or sugar-free gum we can help encourage
saliva production and reduce the risks of active decay.
Natural bone loss over time may cause the more vulnerable
roots of the teeth to be exposed, giving rise to increased
sensitivity and decay of the root surfaces. Regular dental
visits for advice on how to manage these areas and input
from a dental hygienist will benefit with cleaning and
protecting the surfaces with bespoke fluoride treatment
if indicated. And as we get older any untreated gum
disease will potentially risk the affected teeth being lost.
Over time all teeth will wear to some degree. Previous
dentistry may need replacing and it’s important to
keep track with regular checks and digital images.
Then you can make informed choices on how further
wear and tear can be reduced and whether dental
treatment – functional, or aesthetic – is needed.
Can everyone have tooth whitening? Or
is it less advisable with older teeth?
Anyone over 18 can consider tooth whitening, but we
would always check the health of the teeth and gums first
and the procedure should always be provided by a dentist.
For older patients we would assess the potential success of
the procedure before starting, because enamel will whiten
and dentine won’t, so the more yellow root surfaces we
sometimes see in older teeth will not be whitened.
What are the most common cosmetic
dentistry issues for older patients?
People consider cosmetic dentistry because they would
like to improve their smile or dental appearance. This
motivation is specific to each client and even the smallest
concerns are relevant if they can be realistically improved.
The success of any cosmetic procedure depends on the
end result meeting the expectations of the patient. An
“However small your worry, if
it matters to you, it’s important
to ask and find out how
it might be changed”
113 surrey-homes.co.uk