Recent studies performed by New York University have found the first long-term evidence that periodontal, or gum disease, may increase the risk of cognitive dysfunction associated with Alzheimer's disease in healthy individuals as well as those who are already impaired. The study links gum inflammation to brain inflammation, neurodegeneration and Alzheimer's.
For denture wearers, dry mouth conditions may exacerbate the problem. Dentures can become contaminated due to the fact that they are porous and can harbor a large amount of harmful bacteria. In addition, the likelihood of dry mouth has been shown to increase with the number of medications a person takes. Since senior citizens use an average of three
prescriptions and two over-the-counter medications per day, they stand a good chance of suffering from dry mouth. Therefore, denture wearers with reduced salivary flow should be particularly concerned about the cleanliness of their dentures and the serious health risks associated with contaminated dentures.
There are many more seniors with their own teeth into old age than ever before. Medications, however, can still cause dry mouth which increases acidity in the mouth. Acidity contributes to plaque which is a bacteria. This plaque gets ingested by your body, and it is the same as plaque found in arteries. This is why poor hygiene has been linked to cardiovascular problems.
Here are some tips to minimize the risk of contaminated dentures and periodontal disease:
1. Brushing your teeth for at least two minutes, three times a day is very important. Some seniors may lose dexterity, which can make brushing properly a challenge.
2. Brushing with an electric toothbrush can be very beneficial, but be careful not to brush too hard as you may do harm to sensitive gum tissue.
3. Sleeping with dentures in place is not a good idea. Dentures are plastic so they are porous. They should be brushed with a little warm soap and water; not toothpaste and not hot water.
4. Schedule a routine hygiene appointment at least every six months.
5. In addition to scheduling routine hygiene appointments, it is important to maintain good home hygiene habits such as flossing after meals and brushing morning and night.
6. DO NOT neglect your oral health because of a lack of dental insurance! Keep in mind that your oral health is linked to your overall health, and neglect may lead to more serious health risks.
Please call our office to schedule your hygiene appointment if you do not already have one.
Your health is our number one concern!
Print Page