Dr Anthony Speed
Information sheet from www.speedental.com.au
Overs 60's
Medications
Dry mouth
Diabetes
Gum recession
Dentures
Arthritis
Bumps, lumps
and changes
How long will my teeth last?
There's no truth in the rumour that tooth loss is an inevitable part of aging. Today, treatment concentrates on prevention of dental disease. This means you can keep your teeth for life.
Medications,
pills and potions
Some medications which are
designed to "thin" the blood
(such as heart medications)
will effect dental treatment
such as teeth cleaning and
extraction's. Tell your dentist
which medications you're taking
so they can discuss with your
doctor the best treatment
for you.
Dry
Mouth
Are you taking high blood
pressure tablets, antidepressants
or anti-diuretics? These may
be causing the problem. Saliva
is important in the prevention
of tooth decay. It washes
away acids formed by plaque
which cause tooth decay. Don't
suck lollies to stimulate
saliva. Sugarless gum may
help, or an artificial saliva
replacement may help moisten
your mouth at mealtime's and
may make your mouth more comfortable
between meals. Ask your dentist
and they'll show you how to
prevent decay from occurring. For
more information...
Diabetes
Diabetes is very common.
Just as it's important for
diabetics to look after
their overall health, it's
very important for diabetics
to look after their oral
health. Some studies have
shown an increase in gum
disease in diabetics. If
you eat at odd times it
can be bad for your teeth.
For example, during the
night everyone has a decrease
in the quantity of saliva
within their mouth. This
means that the amount of
decay caused by night time
sugar intake is likely to
be far higher than at 5.00
pm when you have the most
saliva in your mouth. Please
discuss this with your dentist.
Gum recession
"Not necessarily the
recession Australia had to
have!"
Often as you get older your
gums recede making your teeth
appear longer."Getting
long in the tooth". Gum
recession means that the roots
of your teeth start showing
in your mouth. This root surface
may often be more sensitive
to cold, brushing and sometimes
hot substances. It's also
a darker colour than the top
or crown of the tooth and
it decays more readily.
The
causes of gum recession aren't
fully understood but include
genetics factors, poor teeth
cleaning (both insufficient
and too aggressive cleaning)
and trauma.
Dentures
If you have full dentures,
clean your mouth and dentures
after meals every day.
Use a toothbrush or denture
brush and clean all surfaces.
Use a toothbrush to clean
the roof of your mouth. This
helps remove "dead skin"
and helps avoid thrush -a
fungal overgrowth under your
denture.
As you grow older your mouth
changes shape. This may cause
loose or ill-fitting dentures.
Ask your dentist for help
to eliminate denture sore
spots.
Arthritis
Ask your dentist to recommend
and show you how to use an
electric toothbrush.
Why should your grandchildren
have all the fun!
Bumps, lumps
and changes
If you notice any bumps, lumps
or changes in your mouth or
if you have persistent ulcers
see your dentist.
Dentists are trained to look
for early signs of mouth cancer.
Have your mouth and dentures
checked by your dentist every
few years.
“So how long will my teeth last?”
Old age no longer means no natural teeth. A recent data watch survey in the Australian Dental Journal reported that the percentages of people who have no natural teeth (edentulsim) had declined in Australia in the years between 1979 and 2002. The 15 to 34 year age group virtually all had some natural teeth but about 36% of over 75 year olds are edentulist. The authors said the number of older people who are without natural teeth has less to do with health or diet but with a historical health perception. In the first half of last century, particularly between the 1920’s and the late 1940’s it was commonplace to extract all teeth. This occurred as a direct response to a theory called “focal infection”. It was postulated that dental decay and other oral diseases created a reservoir of bacteria that could spread through the body, causing a wide range of systemic disease. We have changed our thinking somewhat! It is postulated that as this generation die out we will have a situation where only 1% of Australians will have no natural teeth.
Read more in the Australian Dental Journal Vol 52, Number 2 June 2007.