DENTAL CARE

Jeffrey Gross, DDS, FAGD

Q: What Should I Do To Help My Husband’s Mouth Situation? A: This question requires a little background. My patient and her husband no longer work full time. As we live longer these days due to great advances in medical treatment and technology, we tend to see a lot of individuals slow down. Many are victims of chronic conditions. These conditions do not require full time hospitalization. However, they require a full time or most of the time caregiver. Most of the time this caregiver is a spouse, but oftentimes it can be a child or close friend. In either event, 75% of all caregivers are female. This is probably due to how women are wired. Our mothers and wives take care of us for many decades of our lives. To extend this as we get older, it is natural for the female partner to step up and fill this vital role. Currently, 92% of seniors are aging in their communities. Caregivers make this possible. Caregivers help with many essential daily activities which were done for many years without help. Now these stay at home people need help. This help should include aiding in the maintenance of oral health. November has been labeled National Caregivers Month. In light of this and my patient’s question, I thought that I would share some tips from the Oral Health America organization. I have mentioned them before in a column and find them to be a valuable resource for information. Tip: High blood sugar, which is found more frequently in our the diabetes epidemic in this country can contribute to gum infection. When gum infections gets severe, if further interferes with how the body uses insulin. In addition to this diabetes reduces the body’s resistance to infection, putting the gums at further risk. We now have a vicious cycle. Insulin resistance has also been shown to be involved with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. It is crucial that caregiver get proficient at tooth brushing and flossing. You can not depend on the person that you are caring for to do this well themselves. Seating the cared for individual in a chair with a pillow behind their neck will allow the caregiver to “play” dentist and see the mouth more easily. You clean what you can see much better than what you can not see. Now that really makes sense! Tip: Be aware or medication side effects. Certain medications, such as decongestants, antihistamines, painkillers, antidepressants, and “water pills” can reduce saliva. Saliva is vital in a couple of ways. First of all it bathes the teeth and helps eliminate food. Secondly it can neutralizes acids produced the mouth. This promotes stronger teeth. As a result it is harder for bacterial to create holes or cavities on the tooth. Chewing gum or candy will help to increase the production of saliva. Just remember to make it sugarless. Tip: Focus on encouraging your cared for individual to eat well. The diet should be high in fruits and vegetables with adequate amounts of good fat. Good fat can be found in foods like salmon, avocado, seeds and nuts. These foods will reduce the general inflammation in the body and specifically in the mouth. These types of foods are also low in free sugar. We all know that sugar will cause a tremendous amount of damage in the mouth and in the entire body. This may be a challenge for some of us to follow. Many of us need specific directions. Learning and reading about the Mediterranean Diet is a great place to start.

In light of this, I am in the process of collaborating with a nutritionist to help my patients get on the right track. We will offer new patients from now till the end of year a FREE 75 minute nutrition consultation with Gretchen Spetz MS, RDN, LD. She will help you get on track and aid you in your journey towards better health. My goal is to provide an office where we can not only take care of your dental concerns, but also guide you to making you feel good and look your best. It is never to late to improve and make strides forward. Call Megan at 440.951.7856 to schedule an appointment and be part of this great program. Jeffrey Gross, DDS, FAGD is an Ohio licensed general dentist and is on the staff of Case Western Reserve School of Dental Medicine. The Healthy Smile 34586 Lakeshore Boulevard (¼ mile west of Route 91 on Lakeshore Blvd) Eastlake, Ohio 44095 440-951-7856 Severance Medical Arts, Suite 603 5 Severance Center Cleveland Heights, Ohio 44118 216-371-2333 www.jeffreygrossdds.com