Older adults and oral health, SeniorSSuperStoreS Keeping in Touch newslsetter

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This issue of Keeping in Touch deals with several matters of interest to Prime Time Surfers:

1.) Older adults and oral health

2.) Extend your reach

3.) Another telephone scam going around

4.) Is online purchasing safe?

5.) Your subscription details

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1.) The 10 Most Frequently Asked Questions About Older Adults and Oral Health
(Courtesy of PRNewswire and the Oklahoma Dental Association)

According to the Oklahoma Dental Association (ODA), mature adults possess specific oral health needs that differ from those of younger generations and dentistry is working to meet the needs of this growing population.

This burgeoning population group is wearing fewer dentures and keeping natural teeth longer. They also require special consideration because reduced mobility and dexterity may make daily oral hygiene difficult. Sometimes the lack of awareness about available treatment and techniques leads older patients to make false assumptions about their dental health; this lack of awareness causes tolerance of conditions such as toothaches, bleeding gums and clicking dentures.

To promote increased knowledge of dental health issues for mature adults, the ODA answers some frequently asked questions about older adults and oral health.

1. Isn't tooth loss inevitable in the later years?

No. Today, older adults are keeping their natural teeth longer because of scientific developments and the preventive emphasis in dentistry. Practicing good oral hygiene at home and visiting the dentist regularly will prevent dental problems, save time and money and save your teeth and gums.

2. Should older adults be concerned about cavities?

Yes. Adults of all ages can have cavities, yet the nature of the tooth decay problem changes as people grow older. Mature adults are more likely to have decay around older fillings, and many adults grew up without the benefits of fluoride, so they may have more fillings than the younger generation. Decay of the tooth root is also common among older adults. Root decay occurs when the gums recede, exposing the softer root surface, which decays more easily than tooth enamel.

Tooth decay is also promoted by dry mouth, when the supply of saliva is greatly reduced. Dry mouth can be caused by many types of medications (such as anti-histamines, anti-hypertensives, and anti-depressants) or radiation therapy to the head or neck. A dentist or physician may recommend an artificial saliva and fluoride products to help prevent decay.

3. Why is it important for older adults to brush and floss regularly?

As we age, it's more important than ever to thoroughly brush and floss natural teeth on a daily basis. Plaque, a bacteria that causes tooth decay and gum disease (periodontal disease), can build up quickly on the teeth of older adults, particularly when they neglect oral hygiene. Brush teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, and clean between teeth daily with floss or interdental cleaners. Choose products that carry the ADA Seal of Acceptance, your assurance that the products have met the ADA's standards for safety and effectiveness.

4. Gum disease is a major cause of tooth loss in adults, but what can be done about it?

Gum disease or periodontal disease often progresses slowly, without pain, over a long period of time, which is one reason why it's common among older adults. The longer the disease goes undetected and uncontrolled, the more damage it causes. Although periodontal disease is caused by plaque, other factors can increase the risk or severity of the condition such as: food left between the teeth, smoking, smokeless tobacco use, badly aligned teeth, ill-fitting bridges or partial dentures, poor diets and systemic diseases such as anemia. Periodontal disease can be controlled or arrested. In its early stages, it can be reversed using non-surgical, non-invasive periodontal therapy. Treatment of advanced cases may require surgery.

The warning signs of gum disease that require a dentist's immediate care are: bleeding gums when you brush; red, tender or swollen gums; gums that have pulled away from the teeth; pus between your teeth and gums when the gums are pressed; loose teeth or teeth that are moving apart; any changes in your bite; any change in the fit of your partial dentures; constant bad breath or bad taste.

5. My dentures don't feel as comfortable as they once did. Before I see the dentist, is there something I can do on my own?

Dentures are made to fit precisely. If they are cared for properly, they do not change in shape. If dentures become ill-fitting, it is most likely due to natural changes in the gums and bone supporting them. When your dentures do not fit properly, see your dentist as soon as possible so adjustments can be made. Do not try to change the fit of your dentures yourself because damage can occur that makes them unrepairable, costing much more money to buy brand new dentures, rather than an adjustment. Ill-fitting dentures repaired at home can irritate the gums, tongue and cheeks. In emergencies, denture adhesives can be used to keep the dentures stable until you see the dentist.

6. Now that I have full dentures, are regular dental visits still necessary?

Yes, regular dental visits are recommended for those who no longer have natural teeth. At a regular dental examination, the dentist will examine your mouth to check for problems with the gum ridges, the tongue and the joints of the jaw, as well as screen for oral cancer. Many older adults are more susceptible to oral diseases, including oral cancer. About 95 percent of all cancers are found in people over age 40, but many of these cancers are treatable if detected early. Oral tissues are also checked for signs of other diseases that can first manifest themselves in the mouth.

7. What can be done to prevent anxiety about dental visits?

Anxiety over dental treatment is not unusual. Older patients may be less able to cope with the stress due to certain physical conditions such as vision or hearing loss. Patients should share feelings of anxiety with their dentist and the staff. The dental team can adjust treatment and pace to meet any patient's needs. Advances in pain and anxiety control, including many behavioral therapy techniques borrowed from psychology, have made dental visits relatively free of anxiety and pain.

8. Can prescription medications affect dental treatment?

Yes. Blood thinners, heart medications, immunosuppressants, insulin, antidepressants and a variety of other drugs can directly affect dental treatment and outcome. Providing a complete, up-to-date medical history will ensure the most safe and effective method of treatment. Dentists should be aware of the names, doses and frequency of any medications, whether they are prescription or over-the-counter and the name of your physician.

9. Are dental implants a good alternative to dentures?

Dental implants may offer solutions for patients who cannot function adequately with conventional dentures. However, not every patient is a candidate for implants. Patients should ask their dentists if implants are an option. A decision should be based on a careful examination by a dentist, a discussion of the benefits and risks and what the procedure involves.

10. I'm on a limited, fixed income and can't really afford regular dental treatment. Are there any resources available to help me?

Thousands of dentists across the country assist the elderly on fixed incomes by offering their services at reduced fees through dental society-sponsored assistance programs. Call your local dental society for information about where you can find the nearest assistance programs and low-cost dental care locations. Other sources of such information are local social service organizations.

For more information from the ODA, log on to www.okdentassoc.org or call 405-848-8873.

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2.) Extend Your Reach!

A product that is quite popular among our customers is a device that allows you to extend your reach. It is great for reaching high shelves in the kitchen or into places such as behind the clothes dryer or under furniture. Around the home you can pick up scattered toys, reach under the bed or grab sticks and debris while on your riding mower. Handicapped and surgical patients can reach shoes, socks or other items without bending, or directly from a wheelchair or bed.

We proudly feature the E-Z Reacher brand. It is made in America of top quality materials unlike some competitors' brands made in other countries of inferior materials and under less stringent standards. In fact, the E-Z Reacher is actually an industrial strength product used by many industries, parks, highway departments (for roadside cleanup) and local governments. Yet, it is light-weight and user-friendly enough to be used by the handicapped and others who have problems reaching and bending.

Learn more about this great gift idea by visiting our Assistive Devices department. (You'll find the E-Z Reachers on the third page.)

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3.) Another Telephone Scam Going Around

Lost Pet Long-Distance Scam
(Courtesy of www.scambusters.org.

As we have covered in earlier issues of Keeping in Touch, you probably know that dialing numbers with an 809 area code can lead to astronomical phone bills. Well, in San Diego, a scammer is now using the same "809" scheme to prey on grieving owners of lost pets.

The scammer looks for lost pet announcements (in newspapers or signs on utility poles), then calls to say that a Mexican worker took your pet back to Tijuana.

When you call the Tijuana phone number, the scammer's associates string you along with broken English and misunderstandings, until you've racked up hundreds of dollars on the phone bill -- with no pet in sight.

For more on the 809 scam, go to www.scambusters.org/809Scam.

Very useful tip: If you're not sure where a telephone number is located, use this free Area Code Decoder.

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4.) Is Online Purchasing Safe?

You know, it's safer to use your credit card at reputable web sites, such as our www.SeniorSSuperStoreS.com web site, than it is to hand the card to a waiter in a restaurant.

When you use a secure web site, your card information is scrambled so much, nothing can read it except the descrambler on the other end. This is called "encryption". And strong encryption is like scrambling an egg, mixing it in a 55 gallon drum of water, then putting it back together again.

When you bring up an order page, the address should begin with "https" and not just "http". And, with some browers, the padlock on your browser should be locked. (Look in bottom right hand corner of your browser.)

You can safely order any of our products with complete confidence. Thousands already have! To learn more about our ordering safety measures, go to our How To Order page.

BUT, if you're ordering from a Website that isn't secure - run for it! It just isn't worth the risk.

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5.) Your Subscription Details

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Until next time, happy Prime Time Surfing!