Overcome Age-Related Dental Problems DENTAL CARE STRATEGIES FOR SENIORS As we age, our bodies undergo various changes, and our oral health is no exception. While natural aging processes do affect dental health, several age-related factors can have a significant impact on our teeth and gums. For seniors, understanding these issues and adopting appropriate dental care practices is crucial to maintaining oral health and overall well-being. COMMON AGE-RELATED DENTAL ISSUES One of the most common conditions affecting seniors is dry mouth, often a side effect of medications. Many prescriptions disrupt the oral microbiome and reduce saliva production, leading to a condition known as xerostomia, or dry mouth. Saliva plays a vital role in neutralizing bacteria; when its production decreases, the risk of dental diseases increases significantly. Additionally, seniors may face challenges maintaining their dental hygiene due to cognitive issues such as dementia, making it difficult to remember to brush and floss regularly. Also, conditions like diabetes and heart disease can exacerbate oral health problems due to the inflammation they cause throughout the body. HOW TO KEEP YOUR SMILE HEALTHY Despite these challenges, it’s essential to recognize that aging doesn’t automatically mean poor oral health. Regular dental visits can help identify potential issues early and provide guidance on how to address them. We would never suggest you stop taking your medication. Instead, we’d help you find solutions to mitigate the side effects. Options such as prescription mouthwash, more frequent dental cleanings, and increased hydration can help maintain a healthy oral environment. With proper care, it’s possible for seniors to keep all their original teeth well into their later years. We see it all the time! But it’s important to note that dental restorations, such as crowns and fillings, require attention over time. These are not designed to last a lifetime and may need replacement if they crack or wear down. Also, gum recession over the years might necessitate redoing a crown to address any resulting sensitivity. If you’re a senior or care for someone who is, and you have concerns about maintaining oral health amidst these common challenges, don’t hesitate to reach out for professional advice. Scheduling regular dental visits is a proactive step toward ensuring your golden years are accompanied by a healthy, radiant smile.
Be the Parents Who Are Prepared CREATING AN EMERGENCY KIT FOR ANY SITUATION To be proactive in life is to be successful! As a parent, planning ahead must become second nature if we want our children and families to stay strong in the face of adversity. While many good parenting tips are out there, the smartest is creating an emergency kit to help out in any scenario. An emergency kit will have everything you and your family may need during an emergency, such as having to stay inside for longer than usual or the electricity goes out. Each family’s kit will vary depending on their kids’ individual needs. It’s vital to have all these things collected before the trouble begins, stored in a container, and kept in a safe and easily accessible location in case of an emergency. Making a family emergency kit can also be fun for the family to do together.
These are the necessary steps to create a toolkit:
1. You will need a large plastic bin or box to put things into.
2. Go to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for a list of key items to include in a kit: CDC.gov/childrenindisasters/ checklists/kids-and-families.html .
3. Go shopping for the appropriate items you need, then check them off the list as you put them into your emergency kit.
4. Place an updated copy of your checklist inside your large plastic bin or box once you put your kit together to know what is inside the kit and to find your checklist easily. Keeping your family safe should be a top priority at all times. It is so important to teach preparation skills to our children at a young age so they can be ready and thrive through life’s most turbulent moments.
2 • WWW.ATOWNDENTAL.COM
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