Prevention and Disease Management for Older Adults( Article 2 of 4)

The rapid growth of population that is 65 and older will profoundly affect dental care in a number of ways.
Risk assessment for this vulnerable group  will help develop the most appropriate prevention plan and treatment strategy.

 Prevention:

Majority of older patients suffer from hyposalivation or Drymouth

Simple preventative remedies  to alleviate drymouth include-

Regular sips of water throughout the day
Limiting number of alcoholic beverages and beverages
Limiting beverages high in sugar and caffeine particularly sodas,juices and sweetened coffee and tea
Avoid spicy and salty foods
Caution using mouth washes containing alcohol
Using  salivary substitutes  such as Oralbalance gel, Biotene Moisturing spray, liquid mouthspray etc
.
In extreme cases, a salivary stimulant may be prescribed which does require consulting with patient's physician. 
Discussion with physician and or pharmacist regarding substitution of medicines causing dry mouth can also be an option.

Caries:
For patients with an increased risk of caries or dental decay, an oscillating tooth brush is best.  Automated toothbrushes remove more plaque than manual brushing alone. It is particularly helpful for patients with limited dexterity and arthritis.

Use floridated toothpaste daily and floride rinses
 Periodic topical application of 5% sodium floride varnish in severe cases of caries.
  This mode is inexpensive, non invasive and shown to reduce decay.

As the old adage goes " an ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of...."

Visit www.mydentistchino.com or Call 909 627 6699 to contact our office. We are more than happy to help you with your question.

Dry Mouth

Dry mouth, also called xerostomia is the condition of not having enough saliva, or spit, to keep the mouth wet.  Dry mouth can happen to anyone occasionally—for example, when nervous or stressed.  However, when dry mouth persists, it can make chewing, eating, swallowing and even talking difficult.  Dry mouth also increases the risk for tooth decay because saliva helps keep harmful germs that cause cavities and other oral infections in check.

Causes

Dry mouth occurs when the salivary glands that make saliva don't work properly.  Many over-the-counter and prescription medicines, as well as diseases such as diabetes, Parkinson's disease and Sjogren's syndrome, can reduce saliva formation. .  Other causes of dry mouth include certain cancer treatments and damage to the glands' nerve system.  It's important to see your dentist or physician to find out why your mouth is dry.

Treatment

Depending on the cause of your dry mouth, your health care provider can recommend appropriate treatment. There are also self-care steps you can take to help ease dry mouth, such as drinking plenty of water, chewing sugarless gum, and avoiding tobacco and alcohol.  Good oral care at home and regular dental check-ups will help keep your mouth healthy.

“Frequent use of moistening rinses along with topical fluoride applications and increasing dental recare visits are preventative measures that greatly enhance oral health” says Dr. Cherukuri from her Chino, California  dentalpractice

Sensitive Teeth

Is the taste of ice cream or a sip of hot coffee sometimes a painful experience for you? Does brushing or flossing make you wince occasionally? If so, you may have sensitive teeth.

Possible causes include:

• Tooth decay (cavities)
• Fractured teeth
• Worn fillings
• Gum disease
• Worn tooth enamel
• Exposed tooth root

In healthy teeth, a layer of enamel protects the crowns of your teeth—the part above the gum line. Under the gum line a layer called cementum protects the tooth root. Underneath both the enamel and the cementum is dentin.
Dentin is less dense than enamel and cementum and contains microscopic tubules (small hollow tubes or canals). When dentin loses its protective covering of enamel or cementum these tubules allow heat and cold or acidic or sticky foods to reach the nerves and cells inside the tooth. Dentin may also be exposed when gums recede. The result can be hypersensitivity.

Sensitive teeth can be treated. The type of treatment will depend on what is causing the sensitivity. Your dentist may suggest one of a variety of treatments:

• Desensitizing toothpaste. This contains compounds that help block transmission of sensation from the tooth surface to the nerve, and usually requires several applications before the sensitivity is reduced.
• Fluoride gel. An in-office technique which strengthens tooth enamel and reduces the transmission of sensations.
• A crown, inlay or bonding. These may be used to correct a flaw or decay that results in sensitivity.
• Surgical gum graft. If gum tissue has been lost from the root, this will protect the root and reduce sensitivity.
• Root canal. If sensitivity is severe and persistent and cannot be treated by other means, your dentist may recommend this treatment to eliminate the problem.
• Occlusal adjustment: improper bite or bite prematurities from night grinding need to be corrected.

Proper oral hygiene is the key to preventing sensitive-tooth pain.  Selection of an appropriate tooth brush and toothpaste  reduce the abrasion (wear) which in turn reduces senstitivity.

For a complimentary consultation, call 909 627 6699 or visit mydentistchino.com