This article explains why mouth care gets harder as we get older.

Why it gets harder

• Many older people have a dry mouth. Medicines often cause this.
• Diet often changes.
• Old fillings and dental work can wear or break.
• People are living longer than their teeth were made to last.
• Arthritis, poor eyesight and dementia can make cleaning harder.

What can happen

• Tooth decay, broken or lost teeth, gum disease, pain and infection.
• A dirty mouth raises the risk of heart disease and pneumonia (a lung infection).
• Problems with teeth can stop people from smiling, eating and talking with confidence.

What helps

• Old habits may not be enough. Care needs to change as a person’s needs change.
• Take the Amelo quiz. You get advice, a list of products and a care plan with videos.
• Follow the plan every day.
• Check the plan again from time to time, and change it if needed.
• Work with the dentist and care team.

Good mouth care helps a person keep their dignity and pride.