Older adults have unique dental needs and whether you yourself are a senior citizen or you have an elderly parent or relative you care for, it is important to know the dental needs of older adults.  The objective of all people, regardless of age, should be to maintain a healthy mouth in order to avoid painful dental infections, tooth decay, or tooth loss leading to the need for dentures.

Times have thankfully changed and more and more Americans keep their own teeth for a lifetime and never need dentures.  On their website www.ada.org the American Dental Association (ADA) tells us that “generations ago, most people lost their teeth by middle age.”  The ADA credits “the benefits of fluoride, healthier lifestyles and professional dental care” as the reasons why more people are able to keep their own teeth for a lifetime.

Our goal today should be to keep our own teeth for a lifetime.  Dentures are really not as desirable as having your own natural teeth.  The ADA reports that there is “a vital connection between a healthy body and a healthy mouth.”  There are things you can do to ensure that you will be able to keep your teeth healthy for a lifetime.

Maybe you haven’t always kept your oral health at the top of your priority list throughout your life and you think it’s too late to make a difference now.  This is simply not true!  The ADA urges that “you can take control of your oral health” at any age and make a difference.

The ADA offers tips for older adults on how to properly take care of their teeth.  The following tips are listed on their website www.ada.org:

• Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft toothbrush.  The ADA advises that you may benefit from using an electric toothbrush if you have trouble moving your hands, arms or shoulders.
• Floss daily.
• Replace your toothbrush every three or four months because a worn toothbrush will not clean your teeth well.
• If you wear dentures clean them on a daily basis because bacteria stick to your dentures.
• Take your dentures out for at least four hours every day.
• Use denture cleaning products like denture cleansers and overnight soaking solutions to keep your dentures fresh and clean.
• Quit smoking if you do because smoking increases problems with gum disease, tooth decay and tooth loss.  Smoking also affects healing after dental procedures.

If you are experiencing any bleeding in your mouth when you brush or floss, this is not normal and needs to be treated by a dentist as soon as possible.  The ADA cautions that “bleeding gums, visible root surfaces and loose teeth are not normal at any age” and are “usually signs of an infection called periodontal (gum) disease.” 

It is so very important to visit a dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups.  If you don’t have a dentist, you can visit www.ada.org to find a dentist in your area who is a member of the American Dental Association.  During your checkup, it is important to tell your dentist about any medications you take and any health problems or allergies you have.

Bright Side Dental is a dental group with locations in Sterling Heights, Livonia, Canton, and Royal Oak, Michigan.  Visit www.BrightSideDental.com.

Veneers may be right for you

Do you hesitate before laughing or smiling when out in public?  Do you find yourself lifting your hand to cover your mouth before you let out a chuckle or flash a grin?  Being self-conscious about your smile shouldn’t stop you from enjoying yourself when talking with friends or coworkers.  It’s time you did something for yourself so you can laugh without hesitating and feel proud when you see your smile in the mirror. 

Today there are many different cosmetic dentistry procedures that can help you feel confident about your smile.  From tooth whitening to bonding there are countless options to discuss with your dentist.  One option that has helped many people transform their smiles is called dental veneers. 

Maybe you’re self-conscious about stained, crooked, crowded, or badly shaped teeth.  Dental veneers could be the solution to fix what makes you unhappy about your smile.  Veneers can fix unsightly gaps between your teeth or any chipped, broken, or misshapen teeth that may be embarrassing you. 

What’s so exciting about veneers is that you can fix your smile in just a few visits to your dentist rather than spending years correcting your smile with longer procedures such as wearing braces. 

According to the Bright Side Dental website, www.BrightSideDental.com, veneers are thin, custom-made shells that attach directly to your teeth and they are applied in six simple steps:

1. Your dentist will remove any decay and old fillings on the tooth.
2. A small amount of enamel is removed from the front of the tooth to make room for the veneer.
3. Next, the shape, size and shade of the tooth are determined and an impression is taken of the prepared tooth.
4. The impression of your tooth will be sent to a dental lab where the veneer is made.
5. Your dentist will check the color, size and shape of the veneer. This ensures a proper fit.
6. Finally, the veneer is shaped and polished and you get to show all of your friends your new beautiful smile.

Veneers are so thin and comfortable, you’ll notice no change in your speech and you’ll be able to eat the same foods without any restrictions.

Your first step to transforming your smile is to make an appointment with your dentist.  Together, you and your dentist will decide what treatment would be best for your smile.  There are many different types of veneers available today, including Lumineers® which don’t require any shots or drilling. 

Lumineers® are as thin as a contact lens and are placed right over your teeth.  Unlike traditional veneers, none of your tooth structure is removed to prepare your teeth for the veneers.  You don’t even need to be numbed for the procedure!  No anesthetic is necessary.  Lumineers® are very comfortable and natural feeling.    

You can learn more about Lumineers® by visiting www.Lumineers.com where you can also find a dentist near you who uses this exciting option in cosmetic dentistry.    

If you choose to make over your smile and have veneers placed over the teeth you’re unhappy with, it is important to be sure to maintain good dental health to preserve your new smile.  Brushing and flossing twice per day and visiting your dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups are vital to taking care of your smile. 

Bright Side Dental is a dental group with locations in Sterling Heights, Livonia, Canton, and Royal Oak, Michigan.  Visit www.BrightSideDental.com.

Symptoms and solutions

Are you bothered by a dry mouth?  According to the American Dental Association (ADA), “reduced saliva flow that results in a dry mouth is a common problem.”  Dry mouth can be caused by certain medical problems and can also be a side effect of numerous medications.

Dry mouth is a nuisance.  It can feel uncomfortable to have a dry, parched mouth which can lead to a feeling of being constantly thirsty.  Dry mouth can also give you unpleasant breath.  More seriously, untreated dry mouth can lead to oral yeast infections and tooth decay. 

If your mouth is dry as a desert, first look to any medications you may be taking to find the possible cause of your dry mouth.  The ADA reports that numerous prescription and over-the-counter medications can cause dry mouth including certain antihistamines, decongestants, painkillers, blood pressure medication, muscle relaxants, drugs for urinary incontinence, antidepressants and many others.

Dry mouth can be bothersome and frustrating.  On their website, ada.org, the American Dental Association lists possible problems associated with dry mouth including constant sore throats, burning sensations, problems speaking, trouble swallowing, hoarseness or dry nasal passages.

The ADA cautions that “left untreated, dry mouth can damage your teeth.”  This is because your saliva works to lubricate your mouth and wash away food.  The longer food stays on your teeth, the more likely it is that you will develop cavities.  Your saliva also neutralizes the acids in your mouth.  According to the ADA, without adequate saliva “extensive decay can occur.”

The ADA also warns that having a dry mouth can irritate your gums which can make them inflamed and more susceptible to infection.  If your gums are red, swollen, bleed during brushing or flossing, or have pus you could have an infection.  If dental infections are left untreated, they can lead to serious problems including bone and tooth loss.  

Look to your doctor or dentist to help get relief from dry mouth.  If a medication is the cause of your dry mouth, perhaps your doctor could change your prescription to a different medication.  Your dentist can discuss different remedies for dry mouth. 

The ADA offers some potential remedies for dry mouth including:

• using sugar-free gum or candy to stimulate saliva production
• taking frequent sips of water
• rinsing with alcohol-free mouthwash
• restricting your intake of caffeine, alcohol and carbonated beverages 

If you have dry mouth and have tried some of these remedies without gaining much relief, you should turn to your dentist for help.  He or she can recommend some different options to restore moisture to your mouth such as using artificial saliva or prescription-strength mouthwash. 

Regular dental cleanings and check-ups are vital to the health of your mouth.  At your visit it is important to tell your dentist of any medications or health problems you may have so that he or she can find the cause of your dry mouth.  Be sure to brush and floss at least twice a day to maintain good oral health.

It is so important to seek help for dry mouth not only because it can be bothersome, but because it can also be very unhealthy for your teeth and gums.

Brightside Dental is a dental group with locations in Sterling Heights, Livonia, Canton, and Royal Oak, Michigan.  Visit www.BrightSideDental.com.