TAKE CARE OF YOUR TEETH—TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF
Because of the pandemic, I haven’t visited my dentist this year for a checkup and a teeth cleaning. Yet I know I should get checked once or twice a year, if for nothing else, to catch a condition—such as a cavity or gum disease—that will only get worse in time. But at least I’ve done a bit of research on older-adult oral health. Here are a couple of articles I’d like to share with you.
The first is a January 2020 Harvard Medical School piece titled Hidden dental dangers that may threaten your whole body. Here are excerpts:
A growing number of older adults have something to smile about: research shows they’re keeping their teeth longer. While that makes chewing and talking easier and staves off malnutrition and the discomfort of dentures or missing teeth, it also means you need to be more vigilant than ever about preventing dental problems — including some that can have life-threatening complications.
Tooth decay
One in five adults ages 65 or older has untreated tooth decay (a cavity). This develops when food and bacteria form plaque that sticks to teeth and produces toxins that break down a tooth’s outer layer (enamel).
Bacteria also can infect the root of the tooth and form a small pocket of pus (an abscess). “If the infection doesn’t find a way out, it may travel to another space in the head. It wants the path of least resistance, so it may infect the jaw. But it can also travel to the brain and cause death, although this is fortunately rare,” warns Dr. Lisa Thompson, a geriatric dentistry specialist at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine.
Gum disease
Two out of three adults ages 65 or older have gum disease (also called periodontal disease). This is inflammation of the gums that can lead to tooth loss and many other problems. The disease starts with plaque buildup that irritates the gums. This early stage (gingivitis) causes swollen gums that bleed easily.
If untreated, gingivitis can extend below the gum line. The body’s own immune system is thought to fuel the condition, as white blood cells — called to attack the bacteria — eventually damage gum tissue as well. “It can infect the gums all the way down to the ligament that holds the teeth in the bone, penetrate the ligament, destroy bone, and cause tooth loss and abscesses,” Dr. Thompson says. At worst, bacteria from gum disease may get into the bloodstream and infect the heart valves, a potentially deadly complication.
The second article I wish to share is by the Mayo Clinic Staff, Oral health: a window to your overall health. Here are excerpts:
Studies suggest that oral bacteria and the inflammation associated with a severe form of gum disease (periodontitis) might play a role in some diseases. And certain diseases, such as diabetes and HIV/AIDS, can lower the body’s resistance to infection, making oral health problems more severe.
What conditions can be linked to oral health?
Your oral health might contribute to various diseases and conditions, including:
- Endocarditis. This infection of the inner lining of your heart chambers or valves (endocardium) typically occurs when bacteria or other germs from another part of your body, such as your mouth, spread through your bloodstream and attach to certain areas in your heart.
- Cardiovascular disease. Although the connection is not fully understood, some research suggests that heart disease, clogged arteries and stroke might be linked to the inflammation and infections that oral bacteria can cause.
- Pneumonia. Certain bacteria in your mouth can be pulled into your lungs, causing pneumonia and other respiratory diseases.
Certain conditions also might affect your oral health, including:
- Diabetes. By reducing the body’s resistance to infection, diabetes puts your gums at risk. Gum disease appears to be more frequent and severe among people who have diabetes.Research shows that people who have gum disease have a harder time controlling their blood sugar levels. Regular periodontal care can improve diabetes control.
- HIV/AIDS.Oral problems, such as painful mucosal lesions, are common in people who have HIV/AIDS.
- Osteoporosis. This bone-weakening disease is linked with periodontal bone loss and tooth loss. Certain drugs used to treat osteoporosis carry a small risk of damage to the bones of the jaw.
- Alzheimer’s disease.Worsening oral health is seen as Alzheimer’s disease progresses.
Other conditions that might be linked to oral health include eating disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, certain cancers and an immune system disorder that causes dry mouth (Sjogren’s syndrome).
Tell your dentist about the medications you take and about changes in your overall health, especially if you’ve recently been ill or you have a chronic condition, such as diabetes.
How can I protect my oral health?
To protect your oral health, practice good oral hygiene daily.
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled brush using fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss daily.
- Use mouthwash to remove food particles left after brushing and flossing.
- Eat a healthy diet and limit food with added sugars.
- Replace your toothbrush every three months or sooner if bristles are splayed or worn.
- Schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings.
- Avoid tobacco use.
Also, contact your dentist as soon as an oral health problem arises. Taking care of your oral health is an investment in your overall health.
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After assembling this post, I’ve now called and made a dental appointment. They couldn’t get me in until mid November but at least it’s this year.