Dental care for happy, healthy aging seniors Published Sept. 13, 2007 By Maj. Aida M. Solivan 72nd Dental Squadron TINKER AIR FORCE BASE -- Your teeth can last a lifetime with proper home care and regular dental checkups. Even if you brush and floss regularly, you may face certain issues in your senior years when it comes to your oral health. Wearing dentures, taking medications and general health conditions are some of them. · Fluoride toothpaste is recommended: Cavities and decay on root surfaces of the teeth are more common in older adults. · Try an anti-sensitivity toothpaste: Sensitivity can be an increasing problem as one ages. Your gums naturally recede over time, exposing areas of the tooth that are not protected by enamel. These areas are particularly prone to cold or hot foods or beverages, cold air, sweet and sour drinks and foods. If the problem persists, it could be an indication of a cavity or a cracked or fractured tooth; a visit to your dentist is highly recommended for evaluation or treatment. · Dry mouth is very common in seniors, and may be caused by medications (such as antihistamines, decongestants, pain killers, diuretics, high blood pressure medications and antidepressants) or certain medical disorders. If left untreated, it can damage your teeth. There are various methods to restore moisture in your mouth, as well as appropriate treatment and medications. · Existing health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or cancer, can affect your oral health. Patients with uncontrolled diabetes do not heal quickly after oral surgery or other dental procedures because blood flow to the treatment site can be impaired. People with diabetes who frequently take antibiotics are especially prone to develop a fungal infection of the mouth and tongue. Be sure to keep your dentist well informed about any health issues or medical treatment you might be undergoing so special needs are taken into consideration prior to dental procedures, if required. An example of these requirements is antibiotic premedication prior to dental treatment for patients with certain heart conditions to prevent Infective Endocarditis. IE is an infection of the heart's inner lining or valves which results when bacteria enter the bloodstream and travel to the heart. The American Heart Association's latest guidelines recommend preventive antibiotics prior to a dental visit for patients with: -- artificial heart valves -- a history of infective endocarditis -- certain specific, serious congenital (present from birth) heart conditions -- a cardiac transplant that develops a problem in a heart valve · Dentures can make life easier for many seniors, but they require special care. An annual checkup is recommended for long-term denture wearers. · Crowns and bridges are used to strengthen damaged teeth, replace missing ones or improve their appearance, shape or alignment. As with dentures, they require special homecare and annual checkups. · Gum disease (periodontal disease) is a potentially serious condition that can affect people of all ages, but especially people over 40. Among some factors that increase the severity of periodontal disease are bad diet, poor oral hygiene, systemic diseases (such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer, etc), environmental factors (such as stress and smoking) and certain medications that can influence gum condition (such as Dilantin). Regular dental checkups can ensure detection and treatment of early stages of gum disease when it is still reversible. No matter what your age, you can keep your teeth and gums healthy by brushing at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily and seeing your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and checkups. For more information, call the 72nd Dental Clinic at 736-2000 or visit the American Dental Association Web site at www.ada.org.