October is Dental Hygiene Awareness Month

ST. LOUIS: October is Dental Hygiene Awareness Month and MediNurse, St. Louis’ premier provider of private duty nursing care and health related services for more than thirty years, informs the public of a number of oral health issues that tend to develop as we age.

Cavities can begin to appear even if you haven’t had one in years. As we age, we develop cavities due to dry mouth. Dry mouth is a side-effect of more than 500 medications, including those for allergies, asthma, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, pain, anxiety, Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s disease.

Darkened teeth is a result of changes in dentin (bone-like tissue that underlies the tooth enamel) and a lifetime of consuming foods and beverages that leave stains on your teeth such as: coffee, soda, sweets, wine, etc.

Root decay is caused by exposure of the tooth root to decay-causing acids. The tooth roots become exposed as gum tissue recedes from the tooth. Roots do not have the enamel to protect teeth and are more prone to decay which can lead to gum disease.

Gum disease is caused by plaque and made worse by neglecting to floss, smoking, poor-fitting dentures, poor diet or certain diseases such as anemia, cancer, or diabetes. More common in older adults, gum disease is a painless condition until an advanced stage. If left untreated, gums will begin to pull away from the teeth and form deep spaces called pockets where food particles and plaque may collect. Advanced gum disease can eventually destroy gums, bones and ligaments, leading to tooth loss.

Denture-induced stomatitis results from ill-fitting dentures, poor dental hygiene or a buildup of fungal inflammation of the tissue underlying the denture.

While advanced age contributes to overall issues in health, it is not the dominant factor in maintaining oral health. It is important for all individuals, regardless of age, to adopt healthy practices:

1. Brush at least twice a day with toothpaste that contains fluoride.

2. Floss at least once a day, preferably after each meal.

3. Rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash once or twice a day. According to the American Dental Association, antibacterial mouth rinse can help to reduce bacteria that cause plaque and gum disease.

4. Visit a dentist regularly for a cleaning and oral exam.

MediNurse is St. Louis’ premier provider of private duty nursing services. MediNurse provides services that are customized to the individual needs of the client or patient and loved ones to ensure the best care possible. For more information, call 314-781-2800 or visit www.medinurse.com.