Dental Health Tips Mattapoisett MA

Oral Health Nutrition

At any age, a complete oral health home program includes sound nutritional habits. Many of the foods that help your body build strong muscles and bones also help build strong, healthy teeth and gums.

Dairy products provide calcium and vitamin D for strengthening teeth and bones. Breads and cereals supply B vitamins for growth and iron for healthy blood, which in turn contributes to healthy gum tissue. Fruits and vegetables containing vitamin C (among other important vitamins) are essential to maintaining healthy gums.

Lean meat, fish, poultry and beans provide iron and protein for overall good health, and magnesium and zinc for teeth and bones.

And if you are among the million Americans who smoke, your dental hygienist will educate you about the hazards of tobacco and work with you to establish a smoking cessation program.

Dentist Mattapoisett MA
Dr. Louis P. Kenyon
28 Fairhaven Road (Route 6)
Mattapoisett MA
Telephone: 508.758.4818

Dental Care for Seniors Mattapoisett MA

Senior Oral Health

Almost 250 million people or about 40 percent of the adult population in Europe, USA and Japan are estimated to suffer from some form of edentulousness, or loss of natural teeth.[1] Incidence of tooth loss generally increases with age. While the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) reports the prevalence of both partial and total tooth loss in seniors has decreased from the early 1970s, seniors over age 65 have lost an average of 13 teeth (including wisdom teeth) and 26% of seniors over age 65 have no remaining teeth.[2]

Whether caring for natural teeth or dentures, seniors face a range of special oral concerns, including root decay and periodontal disease. You can keep your smile healthy by following a routine of proper oral care and making regular visits to your registered dental hygienist and dentist.

If you have arthritis or limited use of your hands, try adapting the toothbrush for easy use. Insert the handle into a rubber ball or sponge hair curler; or glue the toothbrush handle into a bicycle grip. Toothbrush handles can be lengthened with a piece of wood or plastic such as a ruler, ice cream bar stick or tongue depressor.

For people who have dexterity problems and cannot use a manual toothbrush, an electric toothbrush may be easier to use and increase effectiveness. Numerous studies confirm that electric brushes are excellent plaque removing devices and are extremely effective in stimulating gums. Dental floss holders are also available.

Among other benefits, daily brushing and flossing protect older smiles from two common problems of getting older: Root decay--a condition that affects older adults if a great amount of root surfaces are exposed--and tooth decay caused by the weakening or chipping of older fillings.

Denture care and cleaning

Dentures—full or partial—should be brushed daily with a soft toothbrush or denture cleaning brush, using a commercially prepared denture powder or paste, hand soap, or baking soda. Toxic or abrasive household cleaners should never be used. Dentures should be brushed inside and outside, and rinsed with cool water.

Remaining natural teeth and gums, especially those teeth supporting a partial denture, should also be brushed.

When not in use, dentures should be covered with water or a denture cleaning solution to prevent drying.

1. http://www.astratechdental.com/Library/396636.pdf, retrieved 6/2008, Astra Zeneca, 2005
   
   
2. http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/DataStatistics/FindDataByTopic/ToothLoss/ToothLossSeniors65andOlder, retrieved 6/2008 NIDCR, 2008

The above article is from http://www.adha.org/

Dentist Mattapoisett MA
Dr. Louis P. Kenyon
28 Fairhaven Road (Route 6)
Mattapoisett MA
Telephone: 508.758.4818

Childrens Oral Health Tips

Child Oral Health

Cavity prevention is not the only concern parents should have when considering their children’s oral health. Recent studies show that periodontal disease continues to plague millions of Americans, including children.

The best way to ensure that your child does not get cavities or gingivitis is to instill proper oral habits early. Good oral hygiene routines should be established as early as infancy and continued throughout life.

Registered dental hygienists may recommend these tips:

• Even before teeth begin to erupt, thoroughly clean your infant's gums after each feeding with a water-soaked infant washcloth or gauze pad to stimulate the gum tissue and remove food. When the baby's teeth begin to erupt, brush them gently with a small, soft-bristled toothbrush using a pea-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste.
• 
  A small amount of fluoridated toothpaste will help to inhibit decay. Fluoride is also found in mouth rinses, community water supplies, and in some foods.
• 
  At age two or three, you can begin to teach your child proper brushing techniques. But remember, you will need to follow up with brushing and gentle flossing until age even or eight, when the child has the dexterity to do it alone.
• 
  Schedule regular oral health appointments starting around your child's first birthday. Your oral health professional will check for cavities in the primary teeth and watch for developmental problems, as well as help to create a positive experience that may alleviate fear at future visits.
• 
  Allow and encourage your child to discuss any fears he or she might have about oral health visits, but do not mention the words'hurt' or 'pain'. Saying "it won't hurt" instills the possibility of pain in the child's thought process.
• 
  Determine if the water supply that serves your home is fluoridated. If there is not fluoride in your water, discuss supplement options with your dental hygienist.

Ask your dental hygienist about sealant applications to protect the chewing surfaces of your child's teeth; and about baby bottle tooth decay, which occurs when teeth are frequently exposed to sugar-containing liquids for long periods of time.

The above article is from http://www.adha.org

Dental Office Mattapoisett MA
Dr. Louis P. Kenyon
28 Fairhaven Road (Route 6)
Mattapoisett MA
Telephone: 508.758.4818