Oral Health

 A few years ago I attended some online webinars to earn a CHIS (Consumer Health Information Specialist) designation from the NLM (National Library of Medicine). 

I take my role as a disseminator of health information seriously. These blog posts aren't exciting, but if they help at least one person, I am pleased.

How good am I at following the health guidelines that I blog about?

To be honest, often not as good as I should be.

I am a work in progress.

Now on to the topic of this post: Oral Health

Taking care of your teeth and gums are important at all stages of life, and especially as we age.

Here are some points to consider:

Brush your teeth at least twice a day. And don't forget your tongue. Use a soft toothbrush and apply light pressure. If you have a condition that affects using your hands, use a battery-operated toothbrush, or one with a long handle. Replace your toothbrush every three to four months.

Floss at least once a day. Floss on a stick is often easier to use than string floss.

Eat nutritious food. Sugary, starchy and acidic foods can weaken tooth enamel.

If you have dry mouth, drink a lot of water. Bacteria often thrives in a dry environment. Some medications have dry mouth as a side effect.

If you use a lot of cough drops, chew gum, or suck on hard candy, use sugar free varieties. 

Avoid tobacco products.  

See a dentist every six months to a year - more often if you are having symptoms such as a toothache or bleeding gums.

Certain conditions can affect oral health, including diabetes, HIV / AIDS, osteoporosis, and dementia. In turn, poor oral health can be a contributing factor in cases of endocarditis, cardiovascular disease, and pneumonia.

Source: www.mayoclinic.org/healthy lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/dental/art-20047475 

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