Oral Health and General Health--the Connection

Did you know that poor oral health can affect general health?  Cavities, abscesses, and painful sores make it difficult to eat and obtain good nutrition.  Seniors who suffer from poor oral health are more likely to lose weight due to poor nutrient intake.  They may be self-conscious about eating in groups, and lose their desire to be sociable.  Additionally, periodontal disease (gum disease) has been linked with many inflammatory conditions in other parts of the body.  Here are a few examples:  

Periodontal disease is associated with…   

Cardiovascular health

Risk of stroke
Increased risk of cardiovascular disease and of suffering a fatal heart attack

Diabetes (uncontrolled)

Periodontal disease interrupts diabetic control 

Respiratory infections

Inhalation/aspiration of bacteria from the oral cavity can result in pneumonia

Pregnancy outcomes

Giving birth to a pre-term low birthweight baby

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Denture Care

Dentures, whether complete or partial dentures, should be cleaned following each meal.  Cleaning dentures is simple.

1. Fill the sink with a small amount of water, or place a towel on the bottom of the sink to protect the denture should it slip.
2. Place a small amount of antibacterial soap or toothpaste on a denture cleaning brush or toothbrush.   
3. Scrub all surfaces of the denture to remove all food, bacteria, and debris.
4. Rinse denture with water and place in the mouth.

Dentures should be removed overnight to allow the gums tissues to rest and regenerate.  Dentures can be placed in a cup of water with a denture cleaning tablet* (change the solution daily).  Following cleansing, rinse dentures with water before placing in the mouth.

*Do not soak dentures with soft reline material with denture cleansing tablets.

How to brush your teeth

nice and slow....