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Finding a dentist
Whether you have your own teeth or false ones it's vital you are
registered with a dentist. If you don't have one already ask family
or friends for a recommendation, or ask the Health Authority in your
area for a list of local NHS dentists. Unfortunately, it's becoming
harder to find an NHS dentist in some parts of the country.
Natural teeth: a bigger bite
Growing old doesn't mean inevitably losing your natural teeth. In fact,
more and more people are making their teeth last a lifetime. That's
just as well because natural teeth work much better than false teeth
- dentures - and this has major implications for a person's general
health. Researchers have found that people with dentures not only have
far less chewing ability but also take more medication for gastrointestinal
disorders. Even if you've lost several of your own teeth already, it's
vital to try and keep as many of the remaining ones as possible. The
roots will help maintain the jawbone, which is essential to support
false teeth.
How to stop the rot
Older people are more vulnerable to tooth decay because the gums tend
to recede. Decay can be prevented or halted by cutting down on sugar
consumption and using fluoride toothpaste. Proper brushing techniques
can make a big difference too. For instance, be careful to brush your
teeth gently, otherwise you can wear tooth enamel away. If you are unsure
about how best to brush your teeth, consult your dentist. Changing your
brush every few months is also advisable.
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