Oral Health Care for Seniors
How can I take care of my teeth?
- Brushing at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristle brush are as important as ever
- Flossing removes plaque between teeth and below the gum line that your toothbrush cannot reach
What are some problems I should watch for?
- Most people don't realize how important it is to take care of their gums
- Gingivitis is caused by the bacteria found in plaque that attack the gums
- Symptoms of gingivitis include red, swollen gums and bleeding sometimes when you brush
- If you have any of these symptoms, see a dentist at once
- Gingivitis can lead to more severe gum disease if problems persist
- Three out of four adults over age 35 are affected by some sort of gum disease
- In gum disease, the gums begin to recede, pulling back from the teeth
- In the worst cases, bacteria form pockets between the teeth and gums, weakening the bone
- All this can lead to tooth loss if untreated, especially in patients with osteoporosis
- If regular oral care is too difficult, your dentist can provide alternatives to aid in flossing and prescribe medication to keep the infection from getting worse
What if it's too difficult to brush?
- If you have arthritis, you may find it difficult to brush and floss for good oral health care and prevention of disease
- Certain dental products are designed to make dental care less painful for arthritis sufferers
- You may want to try strapping the toothbrush to a larger object, such as a ball, to make the brush more comfortable to handle
- Electric toothbrushes can help by doing some of the work for you
What are the signs of oral cancer?
- Oral cancer most often occurs in people over 40 years of age
- See a dentist immediately if you notice any red or white patches on your gums or tongue
- Watch for sores that fail to heal within two weeks
Should I be concerned about dry mouth?
- Dry mouth happens when salivary glands fail to work due to disease, certain medications or cancer treatment
- This can make it hard to eat, swallow, taste and speak
- In certain cases, such as radiation therapy, dry mouth can lead to severe complications, which is why it is important you see a dentist immediately before beginning any form of cancer treatment
- Drinking lots of water and avoiding sweets, tobacco, alcohol and caffeine are some ways to fight dry mouth
- Your dentist also can prescribe medications to fight severe dry mouth
Maintaining your overall health
- Studies have shown that maintaining a healthy mouth may keep your body healthier and help you avoid diabetes, heart disease and stroke
- The best way to achieve good oral health is to visit your dentist for an examination and a cleaning at least twice a year
Reprinted with permission from the Academy
of General Dentistry
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Health Tip:
Special Instructions for Children Being Vaccinated Against Flu for the First Time:
Children 6 months up to 9 years of age getting a flu vaccine for the first time will need two doses of vaccine the first year they are vaccinated. If possible, the first dose should be given in September or as soon as vaccine becomes available. The second dose should be given 28 or more days after the first dose. The first dose "primes" the immune system; the second dose provides immune protection. Children who only get one dose but who need two doses can have reduced or no protection from a single dose of flu vaccine. Two doses are necessary to protect these children. If your child needs two doses, begin the process early, so that children are protected before influenza starts circulating in your community. Be sure to follow up to get your child a second dose if they need one. It usually takes about two weeks after the second dose for protection to begin.
Because flu viruses change every year, the vaccine is updated annually. So even if you or your children got a flu vaccine last year, you both still need to get a flu vaccine this season to remain protected. If October and November slip by, and you haven’t gotten your children or yourself vaccinated, get vaccinated in December or later.
