According Harvard Medical School, the need for dentures in later life used to be a foregone conclusion. But today, three-quarters of the over-65 population retain at least some of their teeth. Although older people still suffer higher rates of gum disease, dental decay and tooth loss, they can still do a lot to keep their mouth looking and feeling younger than its years.
Q: What are some areas of concern regarding seniors’ dental care?
The main concerns for seniors as they age are maintaining their remaining teeth and minimizing further damage and loss. Receding gums can also be a big concern.
In addition, insurance coverage may be minimal or nonexistent once a senior retires.
Q: What are my options for a missing tooth?
There are generally three options available when a person loses one or more teeth.
1. Recommended is an implant — a standalone option that doesn’t require the presence of any of the other teeth for support. Though keep in mind:
– implanting requires a surgical phase
– multiple implants may need to support a bridge or denture
– they can’t be used in every case
– implants are generally more expensive
2. A fixed/cemented bridge, which is basically two crowns(minimum) that act as anchors to support the missing tooth.
Generally, teeth are needed on both sides of the space created by the missing teeth. In rare cases, the problem can be resolved with a fixed bridge with one anchor — but only if there is just one tooth missing, and the supporting teeth(anchors) must be in good health with adequate bone support, otherwise, the bridge could fail in the future, which could necessitate the need for dentures.
3. Dentures, of which there are generally two types: A partial denture will replace some missing teeth, supported by remaining teeth. A complete or full denture is used when the teeth on one arch or both arches are missing.
Both the partial and full dentures are removable prostheses or both can be implant-supported.
They are the least costly of all the options unless they involve implants.
What can seniors do to retain healthy teeth?
Visit your dentist regularly — every six months as a minimum.
Some insurance companies will allow for more than two teeth cleanings a year if you have diabetes (you would need to check with your respective insurance company on this).
If you are having trouble holding the floss or toothbrush because of arthritis or diminished manual dexterity, use dental floss holders or floss picks. I recommend Cocofloss, which is especially good for those who have spaces between their teeth that constantly trap food.
In addition, seniors can use an electric toothbrush with a large handle, which makes it easier to grip.
A water flosser, such as a Waterpik, is also a great device that seniors can use if the task becomes too difficult.
Mouth washes can be helpful as long as there is no alcohol in them, but they shouldn’t be used as an alternative to flossing and brushing.
Remember, seniors’, teeth and gums need extra care and attention if they want them to stay healthy in their later years.
LANCE TERAMOTO, DDS, INC.
4747 Kilauea Ave., Ste. 101, Honolulu HI 96816
808-725-2135 | www.smilesofaloha.com/
The virtual weightlessness of being in water reduces stress on joints, bones and muscles. Water resistance provides the strength training needed to decrease blood sugar levels. Aquatic exercise burns calories more efficiently. A 30-minute walk on land burns 135 calories compared to 264 calories walking in water.
Our kidneys make up an important system in our bodies. They are responsible for many vital functions, such as removing wastes from our blood, controlling blood pressure and keeping our bones strong, for example. Such an important organ system deserves our best care and effort so we can keep it functioning well for our entire lives. Unfortunately, however, over 31 million people — nearly 10 percent of the population of the United States — are estimated to suffer from kidney disease and the number is increasing. Risk factors include being over 60 years old and having diabetes, high cholesterol and heart disease. The current treatments for chronic kidney disease (CKD) and kidney failure consist of medications to control symptoms, dialysis, and in some cases, surgery or transplantation. While these procedures can save and prolong lives, they are invasive and can cause severe side effects.
“For many people, kidney damage may be temporary and occur quickly due to changes in kidney function from illness, injury or taking medications,” said Marissa Ramos, a Honolulu home healthcare nurse. “If not treated properly, kidney damage can become a chronic condition, often without one knowing — especially if it is related to other underlying conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure. Regular health screenings and tests are key in detecting risks for kidney disease. We see and often care for clients with multiple health issues, such as diabetes, uncontrolled high blood pressure or congestive heart failure. We focus on early detection, education and proper care, which can slow the progression of kidney disease and help avoid kidney failure.”
I’ve noticed that many people approach estate planning from the outside in, rather from the insideout. For example, many people want to “avoid probate” or “minimize tax” as a primary goal — good goals, for sure. If we stop there, we miss the opportunity to explore the deeper meaning underlying these goals, such as ensuring that we provide our loved ones as much as we can with assets to supplement their lives, and provide each of them the opportunity to grow, and develop and enjoy the most meaningful life possible.
A trustee is what the law calls a fiduciary. A fiduciary is a person who is responsible for taking care of something that belongs to someone else. Under the law, fiduciaries owe legally enforceable duties to the beneficiaries — the people or charities on whose behalf they handle assets.
When it comes to legal matters, there’s a whole set of terminology that may leave your head spinning. Picking apart the legalese may prove such a daunting task that we may even put off tending to important matters, which can be risky.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) helps spread the word about the importance of kidney health and what you should do if you think you or a loved one has a kidney-related disability.