Seniors

Acid reflux – your dentist may notice before you do

Never have heartburn? That doesn't mean you don't have acid reflux. The good news is that if you have acid reflux, your dentist can detect symptoms of this disease during your regular oral examination.

Adult dental health: aging healthfully

Did you know that gum disease – and not the aging process – is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults? Good oral health habits and a healthy lifestyle can help you keep your gums healthy and your smile bright for a lifetime.

Baby boomers need to link oral and overall health

Boomers are especially vulnerable to developing Type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis and heart disease. Researchers believe that symptoms of these diseases can manifest themselves in the mouth - making dentists key in diagnosing these diseases.

Dental health care for Alzheimer’s patients

Proper dental care can maintain or increase an Alzheimer's patient's quality of life. Taking time to brush, floss, inspect his teeth and see his dentist on a regular basis should be top priorities.

Dentists detect diseases

The risks of developing diabetes, osteoporosis and heart disease increase with age. Since symptoms of these conditions can manifest in the mouth, dentists may be key in diagnosing the diseases.

Dentures

Learn about types of dentures, how to care for them and alternatives to dentures.

Diabetes and oral health

Studies show that diabetics are more susceptible to the development of oral infections and periodontal disease. Oral infections tend to be more severe in diabetic patients than non-diabetic patients.

Diet, diabetes and tooth decay

You’re probably aware that diabetes can cause problems with your eyes, nerves, kidneys, heart and other parts of your body. What you may not know is that diabetics are more susceptible to developing oral infections and gum disease than those who do not have diabetes.

Causes of “dry mouth” and how to relieve it

Did you know that medications are the most common cause of dry mouth? Learn how to relieve the symptoms.

The heart and mouth connection: How heart disease and oral health link

According to the CDC, heart disease is America’s number one killer. But did you know that heart disease and oral health are linked?

Using herbal supplements? Why you should tell your dentist.

Always tell your dentist about any medications and supplements you are taking, even herbal supplements and alternative medicines. Everything you ingest, even vitamins, causes a certain reaction and could affect your oral health.

All about dental implants

Dental implants — artificial replacements for natural teeth/roots — are an alternative to partial and full dentures or bridges.

Does your dentist know what’s in your medicine cabinet?

If you haven't talked to your dentist lately about what medications you're taking, you should. From over-the-counter antihistamines to prescribed blood pressure regulators, many medications can cause side effects that negatively affect oral health.

Oral cancer

Your dentist can perform a screening for oral cancer, which is most frequently found on the tongue, the floor of the mouth, soft palate tissues in back of the tongue, lips, and gums. Early detection and treatment is essential.

A woman’s mouth can say a lot about osteoporosis

If you’re a woman, your dentist may be the first health professional to suspect you have osteoporosis — and refer you to a physician before the disease advances.

Preventing gum disease

The best way to prevent gum disease? Daily brushing and flossing, of course! Scheduling regular dental appointments, eating a healthy diet and other preventive steps can help, too.

Preventing gum disease may help avoid Alzheimer’s

The Washington Post recently published an article citing three studies that demonstrated a correlation between gum (periodontal) disease and Alzheimer's disease.

Seniors and oral health

Seniors’ oral health concerns may be different than those of younger people, but good oral hygiene and regular dentist visits remain just as important.

Treatments for gum disease

If you’ve been diagnosed with gum disease, you'll need treatment beyond a regular cleaning. Learn more about both non-surgical and surgical procedures that can be used to treat gum disease.

What is gum disease?

Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is a bacterial infection that causes inflammation of the gums and surrounding tissue. It is the major cause of about 70 percent of adult tooth loss.