5 Oral Health Tips for Seniors

Oral health is important no matter your age.  It’s not just a part of maintaining a beautiful smile, but also a crucial element in overall wellness and quality of life.  The health of your body and the health of your mouth are connected, and both require ongoing care. This is especially true for our older patients.  Aging certainly doesn’t mean you have to resign yourself to dentures…with proper care, your teeth can last a lifetime. However, there are additional concerns that come up for patients over 60. To learn more, here are 5 tips from Dr. Brunacini and Dr. Karagiorgos.

1.  Watch Out For Cavities As You Age

As we age, we become more prone to cavities.  Dry mouth, also called xerostomia, is often the cause and is a side effect of many medications.  Saliva is one of your mouth’s best defenses against tooth decay. Be sure to tell Dr. Brunacini or Dr. Karagiorgos about any medications you are taking or if you are experiencing dry mouth. They will have recommendations for how to restore moisture and work with you to help keep your mouth healthy.

2.  Share Your Medical History with Dr. Brunacini and Dr. Karagiorgos

We are a part of your health care team.  Beyond sharing what medications you are taking, it is important to share any medical conditions such as heart conditions.  In such cases, Dr. Brunacini and Dr. Karagiorgos may recommend antibiotic prophylaxis, which is taking antibiotics prior to a dental procedure.  We all have bacteria in our mouths, but for people with certain conditions when that bacteria enters the bloodstream it can cause infection elsewhere in the body.  Talk to Dr. Brunacini or Dr. Karagiorgos if you have any questions or concerns about the interactions between your medical conditions and oral care.

3.  Cosmetic Procedures Are For Patients of Every Age!

If you are self-conscious about your smile or wish you could improve the look of your teeth, let us know!  There are several cosmetic options for patients of any age that can dramatically improve your smile. Examples include:

  • Veneers: These can be done on aging teeth can help patients have more confidence in their smiles.  
  • Teeth Whitening:  This works on natural teeth and can make teeth look more youthful.  Please note that whitening does not work on crowns.
  • Orthodontics:  There are options that exist as long as teeth have good bone support.  Our teeth become more crowded as we age which can result in some teeth becoming crooked over time.
4.  Let Us Know if Your Dentures Are Loose

There have been many advances in recent years to help people with loose dentures.  If you have discomfort or concerns about the fit of your dentures, talk to Dr. Brunacini or Dr. Karagiorgos.  They can discuss possible choices for you such as implants which help dentures have a tighter fit, or implant-support bridges.  The point is, there are options and we are here to help!

5.  Don’t Forget Your Oral Health Care Basics

It’s important for all our patients, especially those over 60 to follow our recommended oral health care regimen:  brush twice daily, floss daily, and schedule regular appointments with FDA. We hear from some patients with arthritis that brushing can be a literal pain.  We recommend an electric toothbrush to help get to all parts of your teeth while limiting your arm movement. We also like to remind our patients to include healthy diet as part of their oral health care.  For example older patients need to make sure they are getting enough calcium–not just from supplements, but from dairy products and leafy greens to support teeth health.

 

Thank you Dr. Brunacini and Dr. Karagiorgos!  If you have more questions about your oral health or need to schedule an appointment, please give us a call at 207.781.5900.  Our entire staff is dedicated to providing you with the most caring and comfortable environment possible while also providing top quality dental care for all ages.

 

*Image courtesy of www.cdc.gov

Let’s Get to the Root…of Root Canals: 3 Root Canal Myths

For many patients, even the mere mention of a root canal causes fear and anxiety.  It doesn’t need to be this way! Decades ago, these treatments were painful, but with advancements in dentistry and local anesthetics people have little, if any, pain during a root canal procedure.  In fact, it’s probably more painful to live with an infected tooth than it is to get a root canal. So why does this fear persist? We think it has something to do with all the misinformation about root canals that is out there.  We decided to look at some common myths and help educate you about what a root canal really involves.

Root Canal Myths

MYTH 1: No Pain, So No Need

While it’s true that pain is a great indicator of an infection or that something is wrong with your tooth, everyone experiences pain differently. Some people think if they only have a little bit of pain, then there’s no need for a dental procedure.  Let Dr. Brunacini or Dr. Karagiorgos know if you are experiencing any pain. They can examine your teeth for cracks or other signs of damage as well as take x-rays to determine if there is an infection in your tooth that requires a root canal.

MYTH 2: Root Canals Will Make You Sick

Don’t believe everything you read on the internet!  Apparently a poorly designed research study from a century ago is still cited by some as a reason to avoid root canals. This long-debunked study conducted by Weston Price in the 1920s claimed that the toxins in infected teeth could cause diseases such as arthritis and cancer, however there is no scientific evidence to support this claim.  Don’t let rumors prevent you from getting the oral care you need.

MYTH 3:  Root Canals Need to Be Redone Often

Some people think that once they receive a root canal, they will need to have repeat procedures in the future to maintain the tooth.  Preserving your natural tooth is always the best option and root canals have a high-success rate. Follow your regular oral health care regimen of brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and seeing Dr. Brunacini or Dr. Karagiorgos for regular check-ups.  With this proper care, your restored tooth will last a lifetime!

What is a Root Canal?

Now that we’ve dispelled some misinformation, let’s return to the basics.  A root canal is a treatment to repair and save a damaged or infected tooth.  It is an alternative to removing the tooth, which would then require an implant or bridge.  Teeth have a soft substance at their core called ‘pulp’ which contains nerves, connective tissue, and blood vessels.  When a tooth gets a cavity or a crack, bacteria can get into the pulp and cause pain in the tooth. Symptoms of this occurring may include swelling, pain, and temperature sensitivity.

The procedure may take one or two visits and involves removing the infected pulp and cleaning the root cavity.  Once the tooth core and root have been cleaned, it will be filled and then sealed. We may determine that you also need a crown to further protect the tooth if it has been severely damaged.  In some cases, a metal post inserted into the tooth may also be needed to help secure the crown. At FDA, we offer oral sedation for patients, which helps make the root canal procedure as easy and stress-free as possible.  

If you have any questions or concerns about root canals or the general health of your teeth, please don’t hesitate to contact us at 207.781.5900.  Our goal is to give you the best oral care possible and we always want you to feel comfortable and informed about all the procedures you may need while in our care.  

 

*Image courtesy of shutterstock.com