PETALING JAYA: For these elderly folk, dentures are an accessory they can do without.
In the case of 72-year-old homemaker Linda Chia, she has managed to keep most of her pearly whites, losing just three of the 32 teeth that most adults are blessed with.
She explained that she brushes twice a day and also avoids sugary food except for the occasional sweet treat.
Tough meat or food that is difficult to chew is also off her menu.
Dental check‑ups are not part of her regular routine, as she usually goes to the dentist only when she has a toothache.
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But she believes that her careful habits have helped her maintain her teeth well into her old age.
“Back in the days, dentists would just extract our teeth,” she said.
“Now dentists can do fillings, refilling, root canals or crowns, but the cost is very high.
“My advice is to take proper care of your teeth, just like your general health,” she added.
As for Janet Francis, 65, she has 25 natural teeth left, having lost only a few to tooth decay and wisdom tooth removal over the years.
“I make sure to brush twice a day. It’s something I’ve done since I was young,” said the former secretary.
Janet explained that she would try to avoid sugary food except on certain occasions in which she would indulge in cakes.
However, she stays away from tough meat and nuts which can be difficult to chew.
She admitted that dental check‑ups are not a regular routine, saying: “I usually go only when my tooth hurts.”
Despite that, she believes that her daily care and mindful eating habits have helped her to keep her teeth intact and strong.
Retired hospital employee Abdul Latif Mohd Zan, 70, said he is trying to maintain the 20 teeth he has left.
He admitted, however, that some of them are not in good condition.
“I don’t eat much meat because my teeth are not strong. Many of them have been extracted,” he said.
For his dental care, he said he would sometimes gargle with salt water.
“Once a month, I would use kayu sugi,” he said, referring to the traditional, natural toothbrush.
“Other than that, I brush my teeth every morning and at night before bed.”
Dental check‑ups are not a frequent habit of his, saying that he goes only when necessary.
According to the Health Ministry, it is working towards ensuring that at least 50% of senior citizens retain about 20 natural teeth by 2030.
