ORAL HEALTH
Dry Mouth Xerostomia occurs in roughly 30 percent of adults 65 or older and 40 percent of those 80 years or older. While dry mouth is often a side effect of medication — particularly if a patient is taking multiple medications — it can also occur as a comor- bidity of diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s disease. Having less saliva in the mouth raises the risk for tooth decay and can also make dentures uncomfortable, so it’s important not to ignore this condition. It can be treated by drinking or sipping water throughout the day, avoiding alcoholic beverages or those high in sugar or caffeine, using artificial saliva (sold over-the- counter in most pharmacies), sucking on sugarless hard candy or changing medications and/or medication dosages.
Gum Disease Gum disease develops when plaque builds up along and under the gum line, causing the gums to recede. There are two kinds of gum disease: gingivitis, a mild condition that is reversible; and periodontitis, a more severe form that causes the gums to pull away from the teeth, forming pockets where infections can grow. It also damages the bone and connective
48 | MATTERS OF HEALTH
tissue that holds teeth in place. Ultimately, this can loosen teeth and cause them to fall out. You can prevent gum disease by brushing thoroughly
(brushes that rotate in a circular motion are recommended), flossing and having regular cleanings. Eating a well-balanced diet and not smoking or chewing tobacco will also help.
Oral Cancer The risk for developing oral cancer increases with age, especially if you smoke or drink a lot of alcohol. The human papilloma virus (HPV) has also been associated with some oral cancers. Certain strains are covered in the HPV vaccine that is given in adolescence. Report any changes in your mouth, especially pain, to your
provider immediately, as treatment for oral cancer works best if caught early. Symptoms include irritations, lumps or thick patches in the mouth, lip or throat; white or red patches in the mouth; the sense that something is caught in your throat; difficulty chewing or swallowing or moving the jaw or tongue; numbness in any part of the mouth; swelling of the jaw; or pain in one ear without any hearing loss.
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