Senior Center closes for Presidents' Day
By
Suzanne Hopkins-
Teeth are meant to last
a lifetime: Simple steps can help ward off oral disease
Tooth decay and gum disease can happen at any age, but oral health is particularly important among the elderly.
They are more likely to develop oral diseases that can lead to malnutrition, altered communication and further susceptibility to infectious diseases. Recent research has determined that the quality of life of older adults can be compromised by the pain caused by dental and oral disease.
Today, approximately 40 percent of older adults have lost all their teeth.
Age itself is not a dominant or sole factor in determining oral health.
Some adults have trouble gripping a toothbrush, squeezing a tube of toothpaste, brushing or flossing.
Some who have memory problems may forget to brush and floss.
Certain medications also can affect oral health and may make a change in dental treatment necessary.
To keep your teeth and
gums healthy at any age:
• Brush your teeth twice a day using a soft bristle brush and fluoride toothpaste;
• Floss between your teeth once a day;
• See the dentist at least twice a year for a checkup and cleaning;
• Eat a balanced diet and avoid sugary drinks; and
• Stay away from cigarettes and chewing tobacco.
If you have problems holding a toothbrush, different strategies can help.
A wide rubber band can hold your hand and the brush together. A long piece of plastic or wood attached to the handle of the toothbrush can lengthen it, and a small ball or sponge taped to the handle can make it bigger and easier to manipulate. If the action of brushing is hard, try using an electric toothbrush.
Even if you do not have teeth or have few dental problems, visit the dentist at least once a year for a comprehensive oral exam, which can do more than just find cavities.
A dentist can detect more than 120 diseases during a routine exam, including undiagnosed diabetes, precursors of stroke, oral cancer, HIV, thyroid disease, osteoporosis, skin diseases and leukemia.
Medicare does not cover dental care and 46 percent of the U.S. population does not have dental insurance, according to the National Association of Dental Plans.
If a senior on a limited income cannot afford regular dental care, many dentists offer their services at reduced fees through dental society-sponsored assistance programs. Such aid varies by community.
Contact the local dental society for information about the nearest assistance programs and low-cost care locations, such as public health clinics and dental school clinics.
The Highland County Senior Center hosts free dental clinics at least twice a year, sponsored by the Area Agency on Aging 7.
You may contact AAA7 at 1-800-582-7277 for more information on this program.[[In-content Ad]]
a lifetime: Simple steps can help ward off oral disease
Tooth decay and gum disease can happen at any age, but oral health is particularly important among the elderly.
They are more likely to develop oral diseases that can lead to malnutrition, altered communication and further susceptibility to infectious diseases. Recent research has determined that the quality of life of older adults can be compromised by the pain caused by dental and oral disease.
Today, approximately 40 percent of older adults have lost all their teeth.
Age itself is not a dominant or sole factor in determining oral health.
Some adults have trouble gripping a toothbrush, squeezing a tube of toothpaste, brushing or flossing.
Some who have memory problems may forget to brush and floss.
Certain medications also can affect oral health and may make a change in dental treatment necessary.
To keep your teeth and
gums healthy at any age:
• Brush your teeth twice a day using a soft bristle brush and fluoride toothpaste;
• Floss between your teeth once a day;
• See the dentist at least twice a year for a checkup and cleaning;
• Eat a balanced diet and avoid sugary drinks; and
• Stay away from cigarettes and chewing tobacco.
If you have problems holding a toothbrush, different strategies can help.
A wide rubber band can hold your hand and the brush together. A long piece of plastic or wood attached to the handle of the toothbrush can lengthen it, and a small ball or sponge taped to the handle can make it bigger and easier to manipulate. If the action of brushing is hard, try using an electric toothbrush.
Even if you do not have teeth or have few dental problems, visit the dentist at least once a year for a comprehensive oral exam, which can do more than just find cavities.
A dentist can detect more than 120 diseases during a routine exam, including undiagnosed diabetes, precursors of stroke, oral cancer, HIV, thyroid disease, osteoporosis, skin diseases and leukemia.
Medicare does not cover dental care and 46 percent of the U.S. population does not have dental insurance, according to the National Association of Dental Plans.
If a senior on a limited income cannot afford regular dental care, many dentists offer their services at reduced fees through dental society-sponsored assistance programs. Such aid varies by community.
Contact the local dental society for information about the nearest assistance programs and low-cost care locations, such as public health clinics and dental school clinics.
The Highland County Senior Center hosts free dental clinics at least twice a year, sponsored by the Area Agency on Aging 7.
You may contact AAA7 at 1-800-582-7277 for more information on this program.[[In-content Ad]]