Regular dental care is essential for seniors.

• Regular dental care can help you keep your natural teeth longer.
• Replacing missing teeth or maintaining dentures directly affects health and diet.
• Proper dental function is important for maintaining a balanced diet with sufficient nutrients.

  Dental health affects overall health.

• Deficiencies in such nutrients as protein and zinc decrease immune function and increase an elderly person's susceptibility to infection.
• Low vitamin C intake has been associated with decreased cognitive function and increased peripheral artery disease.

  Everyday dental care is important for those with special needs.

• Daily brushing and flossing, regular dental visits and a balanced diet are especially important for those unable to care adequately for themselves.
• Alzheimer's, arthritis and other conditions can impair normal day-to-day activities like dental care.
• Caregivers may need to provide oral hygiene assistance to seniors or people with special needs.

  Tips on dental hygiene assistance.

• Choose a time convenient for the person you are caring for.
• Proceed at a pace they are comfortable with.
• Support the person's head, and take special care to prevent choking or gagging if the head is lifted back.
• Discuss difficulties with your dentist, who can recommend aids such as a mouth prop to avoid injury to teeth.