Your best defenses: brushing, flossing, and using a fluoride rinse. (In one study, twice-daily rinsers had nearly one-third the risk of root cavities as did people who used fluoride toothpaste and a placebo rinse.) But avoid rinses with alcohol, says Margaret Lappan Green, RDH, past president of the American Dental Hygienists' Association; they can irritate older gums.
Warning Sign: Sensitive Teeth and Painful Gums
For people with sensitive teeth, often the reason is that periodontal disease has eroded their gums. This bacterial disease starts without symptoms, and many people don't know they have it until extensive damage has occurred. More than half of adults over age 55 have at least a mild case.
As bacteria build up at the base of your teeth, you may just notice a little bleeding when you brush. But as the microbes multiply, they loosen gum tissue, eating into underlying ligaments and bone that hold teeth in place. Bacteria may also get into your bloodstream, increasing your risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other conditions.
Warning Sign: Sensitive Teeth and Painful Gums
For people with sensitive teeth, often the reason is that periodontal disease has eroded their gums. This bacterial disease starts without symptoms, and many people don't know they have it until extensive damage has occurred. More than half of adults over age 55 have at least a mild case.
As bacteria build up at the base of your teeth, you may just notice a little bleeding when you brush. But as the microbes multiply, they loosen gum tissue, eating into underlying ligaments and bone that hold teeth in place. Bacteria may also get into your bloodstream, increasing your risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other conditions.