It has been said that the mouth is the window the health. In other words, problems with the teeth and gums are often an indication of many more severe ailments within the body. By keeping up on your loved one's oral health, you may also be reducing the chances for heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, and digestive problems. Or, looked at from the other way, seniors with poor gum health have an increased risk of each of those disorders.
Dr. Cynthia Carlsson, assistant professor of geriatrics and gerontology at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, noted, "With careful examination of the teeth, gums, and tongue, dentists have found evidence of heart or liver disease, eating disorders, diet …show more content…
Some of the most common are smoking, lack of brushing and flossing which leads to plaque buildup, certain medications, and illnesses such as diabetes, HIV, and some cancers.
Gum disease can be spotted by red inflamed gums that may have receded and might bleed when brushed, loose teeth, chronic bad breath, and significant changes in the fit of dentures and other orthodontia.
The easiest way to prevent gum disease is with proper dental care and at least annual dental check-ups. For seniors who may have less saliva than they did when they were younger, a medicated mouthwash may also help.
Treatment for gum disease involves a deep cleaning and scaling to remove the tartar both above and below the gum line. In more severe cases, dental surgery may be necessary. Practitioners of alternative medicine suggest drinking green tea to reduce inflammation and swishing with hydrogen peroxide to kill bacteria in the mouth. Instead of toothpaste, they recommend using baking soda to lower the acid levels in the mouth, thus reducing the risk of gum disease.
If the mouth really is the window to the body, keeping it clean can give a nice clear picture of excellent