By Dr. Steven Rinaldi
The treatment, management, and prevention of oral diseases inseniors will improve not only the conditions of their mouths,but also their overall health and well-being. Some researchers believe that inflammation in your mouth is linked to other health problems in the rest of your body. According to the Mayo Clinic, the following conditions may be linked to poor oral health:
•Heart Attacks;
•Strokes;
•Diabetes;
•Osteoporosis; and
•Pneumonia.
Brushing your teeth both in the morning and at night with fluoride toothpaste and flossing before bed are the best ways to keep your mouth healthy. Eating Healthy calcium-rich foods, like milk and yogurt, will help keep your teeth strong. Fiber-rich foods like apples, broccoli and almonds, stimulate saliva production, which reduces the number of bacteria in the mouth. Avoid sticky foods like taffy, gummy candies and caramel that cling to your teeth, providing the fuel that harmful bacteria need to multiply.
As we age, tooth enamel can become discolored and dull. Avoiding substances known to stain teeth (coffee, tea, red wine and tobacco products, for example) can help prevent stains in the first place. A whitening toothpaste can add an extra brightening boost. Regular trips to your dentist are just as important as your daytime and nighttime oral routines. That ’s because seeing your dentist frequently gives him or her the opportunity to catch problems early — before they turn into major trouble.
For those adults who are missing teeth, many have trouble chewing certain foods, such as fruits and vegetables. As a result, they eliminate these from their diet at great risk to their health. Eating a lot of junk food will cause weight gain that can lead to cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Also, many denture wearers have become frustrated with their teeth because they don’t stay securely in place. This not only affects their ability to eat and digest food, but also their speech and confidence in social situations.
Fortunately, America’s tooth loss crisis can be helped with mini dental implants. This therapy has been one of the most significant advances in dentistry in the past 25 years. The mini dental implant technology offers a simple and affordable approach to tooth replacement, usually at about half the cost of traditional dental implants. Also, crowns are placed and dentures secured in two hours with a gentle, non-surgical approach, so healing time is greatly reduced. Patients can hardly believe the improvement in their abilities to eat, speak, laugh and smile.
To find out more about mini dental implants visit www.SnapsinDenture.com. If you are interested in a free consultation, or would like to find out about Healthy Living Programs for Seniors, contact Dr. Steven Rinaldi at 978-475-9141. Archives of articles from previous issues can be read at www.fiftyplusadvocates.com.
