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How
can I take care of my teeth?
Proper oral care can keep you smiling well into retirement.
Brushing at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristle
brush are as important as ever. Flossing can help you save your
teeth by removing plaque between teeth and below the gum line that
your toothbrush cannot reach.
What
are some problems I should watch for?
Gingivitis. 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 possible bleeding when you brush. If you have
any of these symptoms, see a dentist at once. Gingivitis can lead
to gum disease if problems persist. Three out of four adults over
age 35 are affected by some sort of gum (periodontal) disease. In
gum disease, the infection becomes severe. Your 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, the hygienist can provide
alternatives to aid in flossing and Dr. McBride can recommend 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. Ask the hygienist
for ways to overcome this problem. 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, or electric
toothbrushes can help by doing some of the work for you.
Oral Cancer
Oral cancer most often occurs in people over 40 years of
age. See Dr. McBride immediately if you notice any red or white
patches on your gums or tongue, and watch for sores that fail to
heal within two weeks. Unfortunately, oral cancer is often difficult
to detect in its early stages, when it can be cured easily. Dr.
McBride or the hygienist can perform a head and neck exam to screen
for signs of cancer. Since oral cancer is often painless in its
early stages, many patients will not notice the signs until it is
too late. In addition, many older people, especially those who wear
dentures, do not visit their dentists enough and problems go unseen.
Should
I be concerned about dry mouth?
Dry mouth (xerostomia) 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 Dr. McBride 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. Dr. McBride can also
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 hygienist
for a cleaning at least twice a year. See Periodontal
therapy for more information.
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