What is the best time to receive dental care?

If your blood sugar is not under control, talk with your dentist and physician about receiving elective dental care. Dental procedures should be as short and as stress-free as possible. Also, make morning appointments because blood glucose levels tend to be under better control at this time of day.

If you have a scheduled appointment, eat and take your medications as directed. See your dentist regularly, keep him or her informed of your health status, and keep your mouth in good health.

Oral Health and Your Heart

What should I be concerned about?

Researchers find possible links between periodontal infections and other oral diseases throughout the body. Current studies suggest that there may be a link between periodontal (gum) disease, heart disease, and other health conditions. Research indicates that gum disease may be a more serious risk factor for heart disease than hypertension, smoking, cholesterol, gender, and age. New studies suggest that people with gum disease seem to be at a higher risk for heart attacks, although no one is certain how this relationship works. Your oral health affects your overall health, but the studies that will find exactly why these problems are linked are still underway.

How can gum disease affect my overall health?

The current theory is that bacteria in infected gums can come loose and move throughout the body. The same bacteria that cause gum disease and irritate your gums might travel to your arteries. Researchers are unsure what causes the bacteria to become mobile. Still, it has been suggested that bacteria can be dislodged and enter the bloodstream during tasks as simple as brushing, flossing, or even chewing.

Research shows that risk varies according to the level of gum infection. The worse the infection, the more likely the bacteria become blood-borne. Infected gums bleed, making it easier for bacteria to enter your bloodstream. If bacteria become dislodged, the bacteria enter through cuts or sores in your mouth and travel to other parts of the body through your bloodstream. Once bacteria reach the arteries, they can irritate them in the same way they irritate gum tissue. This could cause arterial plaque to accumulate in the streets, which can cause hardening and block blood flow. Compromised blood flow to your heart can cause a heart attack. Also, arterial plaque can come loose and travel to other body parts. If a blockage occurs in the brain, it can cause a stroke. Your dentist may use a special rinse immediately after dental procedures to neutralize these bacteria, but your best protection is maintaining a healthy mouth.

What should I do?

Keep your mouth healthy! See your dentist at least twice a year for periodic maintenance. Gum disease is a severe gum infection that should always be taken seriously. Although gum disease can often show few or no symptoms, watch for red and irritated gums or gums that bleed easily. There are many new treatments available to control and help reverse gum disease.

Always remember that gum disease is caused by plaque buildup. Brush and floss regularly to remove plaque that you can’t see below the gum line, and remember to schedule regular checkups. If you remove the plaque, you minimize getting gum disease. If you have any questions about your oral health, ask your dentist.

Oral Health Organization for Seniors

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 fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristle brush is 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 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, 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. Ask your dentist for ways to overcome this problem. Certain dental products are designed to make dental care less painful for people with arthritis. You may want to try strapping the oral b pro health 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.

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, 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 cure it quickly. Your dentist 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 symptoms 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 due to disease, certain medications, or cancer treatment. This can make it hard to eat, swallow, taste, and speak. In some instances, such as radiation therapy, dry mouth can lead to severe complications, which is why you must see a dentist immediately before beginning any form of cancer treatment. Drinking lots of water and avoiding sweets, tobacco, alcohol, and caffeine are ways to fight dry mouth. Your dentist also can prescribe medications to fight severe dry mouth.

We are 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 a cleaning at least twice a year.