Adult & Senior's Dental Health
Taking care of your teeth and mouth is an important part of your overall health.
- Brush twice daily to reduce gum disease and decay
- Use a soft toothbrush
- Use fluoridated toothpaste to prevent decay
- Use floss daily to clean between teeth
- Remove and clean dentures every day
- Drink fluoridated water to protect teeth against decay
- Eat a balanced diet, low in sugar and starches
- Don’t use tobacco
- Get regular checkups, even if you have dentures!
Good oral health is ageless. Always keep watch for signs of trouble.
Tooth decay
Adults and seniors, are at risk for two types of decay:
- new decay: this can start around the edges of fillings
- root decay: this can progress quickly because exposed roots are not protected by enamel
Gum disease
An infection caused by bacteria in the mouth:
- factors that increase gum disease include poor oral hygiene, stress, smoking, medications, and poor diet
- watch for red swollen gums, bleeding when you brush, loose teeth, bad breath, or gum recession
Dry mouth
- some causes include medications, radiation therapy, diabetes, dehydration
- dry mouth can cause cavities and other infections, and can make it hard to eat, swallow, taste and speak
- to prevent dry mouth drink lots of water, sugarless drinks, or suck on sugarless lozenges
- avoid sugary drinks and candies, alcohol, caffeine and tobacco
- talk to a dental professional about products that can help
Oral cancer
Look for early signs of oral cancer:
- see a dentist immediately if you notice any of the following signs on your lips or in your mouth: red or white patches, sores that don’t heal, swelling or unusual hard spots
- your dental professional does regular screening for oral cancer at every check up
- check your own mouth between visits
Existing health conditions
Diabetes, heart disease, and cancer can increase the risk of developing gum disease
- gum disease can complicate these medical conditions
Visit your dentist
Get a check-up every year, even if you wear dentures:
- let your dentist know about any new or existing health conditions
- inform your dentist about any changes or trouble signs in your mouth
- bring a complete list of medications, including over the counter medicine
- tell your dentist if you need help brushing or flossing
A healthy mouth is necessary for a healthy body. Everyone needs to practice good oral hygiene, even people with dentures.
If not cleaned properly, plaque and bacteria will grow on dentures and remaining teeth. This causes gum disease. Gum disease has been linked to other serious health conditions such as diabetes and pneumonia. Following these general guidelines can help reduce plaque build-up and extend the life or your dentures.
Denture care do’s
- Use a denture brush or soft toothbrush to brush dentures inside and out
- Clean around clasps and metal parts of partial dentures
- Use denture cleaner or mild soap and water
- Hold dentures carefully over a half-filled sink of water lined with a facecloth to protect the dentures in case they are dropped
- Always take dentures out at night to give your gums a chance to rest
- Store dentures overnight in a container of warm water or denture cleaning solution
- Clean gums, tongue, and roof of mouth while your dentures are out
- Rinse dentures well before putting them back in your mouth
Denture care don’ts
- Don’t use hot water to clean or soak dentures, this can change the shape of your denture
- Don’t use a hard or stiff bristled brush to clean dentures, it may scratch the surface of your denture
- Don’t use cleaners that can scratch your dentures
- Don’t use bleach to clean or soak your dentures, this could affect the color and strength of your denture
Always remember to
- Check dentures regularly for cracks or broken teeth.
- Regularly check for proper fit. Loose fitting dentures can cause discomfort and make chewing difficult.
- Get dentures adjusted, repaired, or eventually replaced.
- Label dentures and storage containers with your name.
- Have regular check-ups with your dental professional and denturist.
- Use a soft toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste to brush natural teeth.
- Use floss to clean between natural teeth.
Dental Health Bus
Our dentists provide free emergency dental services such as x-rays, dental fillings, extractions or removal of teeth, and antibiotics for dental infections. For Hamilton adults with low income and no other dental coverage.
- Come to the location where we park the bus to see a dentist.
- No appointments are booked; we see you on a first-come, first-serve basis.
- Priority is given to people with emergencies.
Learn more about the Dental Health Bus
Seniors Dental Health Bus
- Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program (OSDCP) clients can access free dental services such as x-rays, dental cleanings, dental fillings, extractions or removal of teeth.
- We are parked at different locations in the City throughout the week
- Services by appointment only
Download the May 2023 Seniors Dental Bus Schedule(PDF, 76.51 KB)
Download the June 2023 Seniors Dental Bus Schedule(PDF, 76.57 KB)

Special Supports
Free coverage for some dental services for people with low income and no dental coverage. Call 905-546-2590 or apply online. Visit the Ontario Works Special Supports for more information.
Downtown Dental Clinic
- Provides free dental services such as dental exams, x-rays, fillings, extractions or removal of teeth, and cleanings.
- For adults who do not receive coverage through Special Supports with low income and no dental coverage.
- Services by appointment only.
Learn more about the Public Health Services Downtown Dental Clinic
Ontario Senior Dental Care Program
Provides free dental care for eligible seniors. This program is for Ontarians aged 65 and over who do not have dental benefits AND who have
- a single person’s annual net income of $22,200 or less, OR
- a combined couple’s annual net income of $37,100 or less
Apply online, or get an application form from one of our clinic sites. Call us at 905-546-2424 ext.3789 for more information.
- Hamilton Public Health Services Downtown Dental Clinic at 110 King St. W, 3rd Floor
- The Seniors Dental Health Bus
- The Dental Health Bus
Once you have completed and submitted your application form, you will receive a welcome package and dental card in the mail if your application is approved.
After you receive the dental card and are enrolled, you can book an appointment by calling Hamilton Public Health Services Dental Clinic at 905-546-2424 ext. 3789.
You must be enrolled in the program and bring your dental card to your appointment to receive services.