DID YOU KNOW.... oral care is REALLY important as you age?
According to the CDC, there is an increasing amount of older Americans who have poor dental habits and nearly 23 percent of individuals between the ages of 65 and 74 have diseases related to their oral health. Because oral health relates directly to overall physical health, it is critical that older people continue to foster good dental hygiene habits. (Source)
In this issue:
10 Things That Can Ruin Your Smile
Dental Problems and Elder Care at Home
Healthy Teeth, Healthy Smile?
By Kristin Koch (from Health.com)
Your smile is one of your best assets, so, of course, you want to keep it sparkling.
But even if you brush, use white strips, and visit your dentist twice a year, it may not be enough. Here are some factors that can wreak havoc on your teeth and gums, and put a serious damper on your smile.
#1 Sports drinks
In the last decade, sports beverages have become increasingly popular, but they aren't great for your teeth.
"Scientific research has found that the pH levels in many sports drinks could lead to tooth erosion due to their high concentration of acidic components, which could wear away at the tooth's enamel," says David F. Halpern, DMD, FAGD, president of the Academy of General Dentistry.
Additionally, these drinks are often high in sugars that act as "food" for acid-producing bacteria, which then sneak into the cracks and crevices in your teeth, causing cavities and tooth decay.
#2 Bottled water
Tap water often contains fluoride—about 60% of people in the U.S. have fluoride in their water supply.
However, most bottled waters contain less fluoride than recommended for good oral health (it will be listed as an ingredient on the label if it is an additive).
"Fluoride makes the entire tooth structure more resistant to decay and promotes remineralization, which aids in repairing early decay before damage is even visible," explains Academy of General Dentistry spokesperson, Charles H. Perle, DMD, FAGD. "Studies have confirmed [that] the most effective source of fluoride is water fluoridation."
#3 Diabetes
Diabetes reduces the body's resistance to infection, so you're at a risk for gum disease. Brushing, flossing, and monitoring your blood sugar can help.
"Diabetes is directly related to periodontal disease, so seeing the dentist and having your triglycerides and cholesterol levels checked on a regular basis is also crucial," stresses Perle.
Perle also points out that research has shown that diabetics can reduce the amount of insulin they need to take by maintaining good gum health.
#4 Tobacco
Smoking turns your teeth yellow, but it can be much more damaging than that.
"Using any form of tobacco can harm your teeth and gums in a number of ways," says Halpern.
"It can cause throat, lung, and mouth cancer, and even death. Additionally, the tar from tobacco forms a sticky film on teeth, which harbors bacteria that promote acid production and create irritating toxins, both of which cause gum inflammation, tooth decay, and loss."
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Dental Problems and Elder Care at Home
Dental problems are among the most common health problems experienced by older adults. In fact, people over 65 with natural teeth have more tooth decay than any other age group and thus continue to need a yearly visit to the dentist.
Older people produce less saliva, needed to clean the teeth. Gums shrink with age, exposing the tooth to decay or infection. Furthermore, older persons may have difficulty flossing and brushing because of poor vision or problems moving their arms, wrists, and hands.
Dental problems can lead to poor nutrition. Unfortunately, these problems are often not attended to by older persons, particularly men.
There are five dental problems common among older persons:
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Dental decay.
When people age, their gums begin to recede. The roots of the tooth are exposed and it is very easy for cavities to develop in this area. Cavities can lead to infection and teeth breaking off. A yearly visit to the dentist is a good preventive measure. If the older person does not feel comfortable with the dentist you have chosen, find a dentist with training in treating older patients.
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Gum disease.
Plaque grows on the surface of the teeth. The bacteria found in plaque give off acids that cause gum disease. To prevent gum disease and decay, make sure the person you are caring for removes plaque daily by brushing and flossing the teeth. An electric toothbrush may be easier for the person to use, but ask the dentist or dental hygienist to demonstrate how to use it.
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Poor fitting dentures.
Dentures need to be checked and refitted on a regular basis because they can become loose or uncomfortable. Poor fitting dentures may drop when a person speaks, and they can cause chewing problems that can lead to poor nutrition.
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Dry mouth.
Older people sometimes produce less saliva. Saliva is a natural mouth protector which limits the growth of bacteria, cleanses the mouth of food, and bathes the teeth with protective minerals; thus a reduction in saliva (resulting in a dry mouth) can cause dental decay. Dry mouth also can be caused by some diseases, cancer therapy, or by medicines such as diuretics, antihistamines, anti-anxiety drugs, antidepressants, alcohol, and other drugs that slow the flow of saliva. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if the dose can be lowered or the prescription changed. (See the "Moisten a Dry Mouth" section in this chapter.)
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Oral Cancer.
Oral cancer includes cancers of the mouth, throat, tongue, and lips. If you notice red or white spots, sores in the mouth or bleeding which does not disappear within two weeks, make an appointment with the dentist or physician. These could be early signs of oral cancer.
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