Health Leader, Oral Health Care for Seniors

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:

Packing Bag Lunches Safely

If you pack lunches for your child to take to school, be careful that you do not accidentally expose them to foodborne illness.

Bagged lunches, especially those containing perishable foods, need to be packed and handled properly in order to keep the food safe. In general, perishable foods should not be left at room temperature for more than two hours. If left out too long, the temperature of the food can enter the danger zone where bacteria grow most rapidly, which is between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

Below are some tips to help families pack bagged lunches safely:

Pack foods that are nonperishable and won't require refrigeration.
If you do pack perishable foods such as luncheon meats or prepackaged cheese and crackers, include a frozen gel pack or a frozen juice carton with the food in an insulated lunch bag or box.
Pack only the amount of perishable food that your child can eat at lunch.
Preparing lunches the night before and storing them in the refrigerator until you pack your child's lunchbox in the morning can help keep food cold longer the next day.
Don't reuse packaging materials such as paper or plastic bags, aluminum foil, etc. as they can contaminate other foods and cause foodborne illness. Have your child discard all used food packaging and paper bags after lunch.

Before eating lunch or snacks at school, make sure your child washes his or her hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. If your child's school does not have a handwashing program in place, encourage them to adopt a such a program, as handwashing is one of the best ways kids and parents can protect health and stop the spread of germs.