Friday, March 12th, 2010
It’s that stuff in your mouth; you know, the fluid you’re constantly telling your children or perhaps your spouse to stop spitting and blowing bubbles with. But it serves purposes that go far beyond the disgusting unpleasant, in fact, it helps break down food and protects the mouth from decay. People who have a lack of saliva production can experience a substantial amount of tooth decay due to building plaque, eroding enamel, and even fungal growth. Bacteria is able to take over the mouth without anything to moderate it, and this can cause serious complications.
There are products on the market to help protect dry mouths, but increased oral care is also necessary.
- Everyone should be brushing at least twice a day, but for those with decreased quantities of saliva, it’s even more crucial, and best to brush after every meal especially particularly sugary items
- Don’t skip flossing! Do so daily to prevent the build-up with plaque
- Skip the sugary foods that will increase the likelihood of tooth decay. If it’s not possible to escape the craving, brush right after eating
- Pick a toothpaste with fluoride
- Make sure you visit the dentist as recommended, he/she may also have additional tips to help you care for your teeth
Via: About.com and UI Healthcare
Tags: dry mouth, how saliva protects oral health, oral care with dry mouth, tooth decay, ToothSavers
Posted in Dental Tips, Oral Health for Seniors | No Comments »
Wednesday, January 13th, 2010
Many people, as they get older, begin to care less about their oral health because they no longer worry about the aesthetics. But for seniors, many issues with oral health can lead to greater health problems and impact overall quality of life, which is why it’s crucial that they have a good understanding of the potential problems and receive care from a qualified dental professional. Here are some of the issues that seniors can face as they age with regards to their oral health:
- Gum disease – gum disease isn’t uncommon amongst seniors who do not keep up with proper oral care, or have dental appliances like bridges or dentures that do not fit properly
- Tooth loss – tooth loss is often a result of gum disease in many cases. Often, seniors who avoid going to a dentist for a tooth ache or other evident issue can eventually lose their teeth if the dental problems are not treated
- Dry mouth – adequate saliva production is necessary for oral health. Dentists can recommend seniors products that will help them ensure that their teeth and mouth are well protected
- Darkened teeth – many seniors complain that their teeth have changed color as they get older. While this is not necessarily a medical condition, it is possible to treat discoloration at home or with the advice of a dentist
ToothSavers sees many senior patients every year and can provide solutions to all of the above issues with regards to oral health. One ToothSavers’ patient provided the following statement after receiving superior care.
“I am a very modest worker and I’m not getting any younger. Therefore I was concerned about having a very professional job done on my dentures that I can appreciate for the rest of my life”
-Maria S
Originally posted at Toothsavers.Wordpress.com
Tags: dental changes with age, dentures, dry mouth, gum disease, older adults, senior dental care, seniors and oral health, tooth loss
Posted in Dental Tips | No Comments »
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