• 11/27/2007
  • Napa Valley, CA
  • Betty Rhodes
  • Napa Valley Register (www.napavalleyregister.com)

I have a fascinating article within an article for you today, but before we go there, let’s stop for a moment and give thanks for our many blessings especially at this time of the year. Carrying that thought a step further; we have wonderful opportunities to help give others a bit of our time to help make their lives a little better.

Thanksgiving and Christmas just bring home to all of us the fact that, if possible, we really should step in and help make someone else’s life a little happier. Check the Register’s Sunday Community Bulletin Board for many volunteer opportunities.

Recently, my dentist, Dr. Quinn, was telling me some of the serious consequences that can happen if you exercise careless dental hygiene. I asked him if he would be willing to write down a few things for our column and he graciously agreed to do so.

So, here is Dr. Quinn’s article within an article.

“Dentists often hear the comment, ‘If I had known I was going to live this long, I’d have taken better care of my teeth.’ Even though tooth loss has declined in recent years, still, in the U.S., 26 percent of people 65-69 have lost all of their teeth. Furthermore, 47 percent of the over 65 group have only 20 or fewer teeth remaining.

The value of a healthy mouth goes far beyond a nice smile. The condition of the teeth, gums and bone is a harbinger of the overall health of the individual. There are many ill-health conditions which contribute to poor oral health. Conversely, it is now well documented that poor oral health is a contributing factor to a number of systemic diseases including risk of heart attack, stroke, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and hospital-acquired pneumonia.

As America ages, characteristically we find an increase in medications taken to control certain diseases. Some medications can cause gum inflammation in some people. Also, many medicines cause dry mouth. Less saliva causes concentration of bacteria and food debris which can lead to increased tooth decay and gum disease. Often in older adults there has been some gingival recession, exposing root surfaces. These can be sensitive and more prone to decay than the enamel-covered crown of the tooth, and can be more difficult to restore. Untreated decay is not only unsightly and sensitive, but it can lead to an abscess, i.e. infected pulp (nerve & blood vessels.) Treatment for an abscess is root canal therapy or extraction.

The connection between periodontal disease and heart disease is not well understood. Many researchers believe when infected gum tissue bleeds, bacteria and other oral organisms enter the bloodstream and thereby have access to all body parts. Some areas, i.e. the mitral heart valve, are more susceptible than others, and the bacteria can attach there causing endocarditis, a potentially fatal disease. What makes the gums bleed: Well, cleaning (brushing and flossing) and even chewing, in some instances, is enough to make them bleed.

Healthy gums don’t bleed.

There are as many as 400 organisms that can cause periodontal disease. It begins as gingivitis and can progress to periodontitis involving the jawbone. When the bone is infected, it is “eaten away” resulting in loose teeth, even to the extent of losing them due to lack of support. Additionally, the odor that accompanies this process isn’t pleasant either.

More than 80 percent of diabetes cases in the U.S. are adult onset type 2. That is, more than 650,000 people per year. With delayed healing and possible immunocompromise, controlling infection is a primary concern. There are about 34,360 new cases of oral and throat cancer a year with an estimated 7,550 deaths. Cancer screening should be part of every dental examination. The oral cavity is one of the easiest and most accessible areas to evaluate. Fortunately, most oral cancers are slow growing, so early detection pays huge dividends.

For individuals with full or partial dentures, good oral hygiene practices and at least annual professional examinations are still critically important. For partial dentures, therefore it is necessary to at least rinse them and your mouth each time you eat. Also, prosthetic appliances should be cleaned and left out of the mouth (in most cases) at night. This allows the tissues to ‘rest’ and be bathed in saliva.

Some people with full dentures think they only need to seek help if something breaks. The tissues under the denture can continue to change or shrink. When this occurs, the dentures loosen. Often, using adhesives worsens the situation by ‘holding’ an ill-fitting appliance and accelerating tissue damage. Poor fitting dentures can cause ulcerations or overgrowth of underlying tissue which may require surgical correction. Timely relining of the dentures creates comfort and stability. It is extremely important that the underside of the denture is kept very clean and the gums are cleaned regularly. A gauze wipe or even a wash cloth and mouth rinse works will.

As we age, obviously many changes occur. An important consideration relates to energy and nutritional needs. A varied diet that provides the nutrients; vitamins, minerals, fiber, etc. is required. Nutritional counselors are available to recommend personalized regimens. A healthy, comfortable mouth enables the ability to taste and feel the textures that enhance the eating experience.

Dentistry has led the way in the medical field when it comes to prevention. Today, there are many adjuncts available to help prevent problems and maintain health. This ranges from eclectic toothbrushes and irrigators, to various mouth rinses or medicaments for specific conditions. Your dentist can make recommendations for your situation. Remember, especially in dentistry, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure… and it’s more economical.

P.S. A nice smile is a social plus.”

Wow. This is a real wake up call. It’s good to be shaken up a little to the fact that very serious consequences can take place if we are careless with dental hygiene. Thank you, Dr. Quinn.