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NetWellness provides the highest quality health information and education services created and evaluated by faculty of our partner universities.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
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NetWellness provides the highest quality health information and education services created and evaluated by faculty of our partner universities.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
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If the older adult is not brushing or flossing, and there seems to be no physical limitation to prevent this, perhaps there is tooth decay or gum disease present. If the individual is able to cognitively understand your questions, ask if there is mouth pain. Some indications that there is tooth or gum pain can be:
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Picture of periodontal disease (courtesy of Case School of Dental Medicine) |
If the person has Alzheimer's or another form of dementia, he or she may not be able to tell you that there is pain. Caregivers – wearing protective gloves and if necessary, a surgical mask – can carefully examine the individual's mouth for some of the following signs:
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| Caregivers can check the mouth of an older adult for visible signs of bleeding, red or swollen gums – common indications that a dentist should be consulted. (Photo courtesy of OSU Section of Periodontology) |
An older adult can experience problems with the teeth and gums (which can lead to or worsen tooth decay or gum disease) for many reasons.
Dry mouth - Constant or frequent dry mouth can be uncomfortable and can increase the chance of tooth decay and infections of the mouth. Over 400 common prescription and over-the-counter drugs are known to cause dry mouth. Sjrogren's Syndrome and some cancer therapies can also cause this.
Symptoms of dry mouth can be:
A solution would be to check with your prescribing physician (or pharmacist for over-the-counter products) to see if medication(s) may be causing or contributing to dry mouth. The medication or dose may be changed to help ease the dry mouth. Also, ask about artificial saliva products.
Other tips are:
Published with permission from Smiles For Seniors ... an oral health initiative of the Ohio Dental Association.
Last Reviewed: Oct 10, 2006
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Abdel Rahim Mohammad, DDS, MS, MPH, FAAOM, FACD Director, Geriatric Dentistry Program Section of Primary Care College of Dentistry The Ohio State University |
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Please note: only your personal physician or other health professional you consult can best advise you on matters of your health based on your medical history, your family medical history, your medication history, and how information from any of these databases may apply to you. Neither University of Cincinnati (NetWellness) nor any party involved in creating, producing or delivering this web site shall be liable for any damages arising out of access to or use of this web site, or any errors or omissions in the content thereof. (More) |