Elder Confusion

                                 

           This story hits too close to home... I just found out that my mother-in-law, has been refusing to go to the dentist and when she did go, she refused to let her dentist take X-rays of her teeth! At 87 she felt no pain and didn't feel it was necessary to maintain the good habits she always practiced and preached to her family. Because they don't live locally, my wife and I cannot do as much as we would like to support our parents in their later years. We have been engaged in discussions of her medical health and helped advocate seeing specialists for changes in medications which have greatly improved her mental state. However this whole time we assumed she was continuing the high level of dental care she had committed to many years ago. We knew her "new" dentist when her original dentist retired. We knew the periodontal specialist she was alternating hygiene visits with. We thought we were very engaged in helping her stay healthy, especially her oral health.
               Dental problems in our later years can come on swiftly and devastate even the healthiest of mouths. The excuses I've heard were "I'm just too tired at bedtime to brush my teeth", " I've been good and watched my diet my whole life, a little candy now can't hurt me", "I didn't want to go to the expense of dental care when nothing bothers me".
My mother-in-law's dentist was nice enough to email her X-rays and to review her treatment options with me. 7 teeth need to be extracted because of gum line cavities that could have been easily filled if found earlier. Prior to this she had lost only 1 out of 28 teeth! That tooth was lost 2 years ago and at that time none of the other teeth were decayed. She was getting her teeth cleaned 3 times a years and proud of the preventive dentistry she was more than happy to ask for.
             Too often our parents are giving up on their teeth figuring it is not important and it's too expensive. I think the opposite... Prevention is still the most cost effective way to be healthy. Our seniors should be strongly encouraged to see a dentist for X-rays at least once a year and should have their teeth cleaned as often as possible because preventative cleanings are cost effective. It's very difficult to tell a senior that they are in good health but they outlived their teeth and now they must sacrifice their teeth in order to be healthy or else risk pain and infection.
             Please tell your parents to Swish, Floss, Brush & Swish again and make sure they are still seeing a dentist (hopefully your dentist).

              If you have any questions or would like me to write about a specific dental question please email me at robwaldmandds@gmail.com and also visit my website at

roberthwaldmandds.com.

 

Happy Smiling,

-Dr. Rob-

Congratulation to all the graduates

GRADUATION IS GREAT…SUMMER IS GREAT!!!!!

                                                                                                                  CONGRATULATION TO ALL THE GRADUATES!!!!

 

                You have graduated…your child has graduated…Everyone is smiling!!!!!!! Are the smiles as bright and clean as they can be.  Do those congratulatory kisses leave a trailing odor of halitosis behind? Has it been a while since you have seen your dentist?  Summer is the perfect time to visit your dentist.   

Many people have extra time during the summer but fail to take advantage of this time and never call their dentist to make their check-up appointment.

                Many people find out too late in the summer that upon graduating they have lost their parents dental coverage.  Please take the time to call your insurance carrier to double check on your benefits so that you can take advantage of them before they disappear.

                Many people over the hot summer months indulge in sugary beverages, popsicles, etc.  These summer treats can play havoc in the mouth.  This sugar leaves a film on the teeth which can lead to cavities.  Please make sure you brush after drinking that cup of lemonade.  If you are unable to brush, rinsing with water is better than not rinsing at all.

                Many people eat foods such as corn on the cob and ribs in the summer months.  These sticky foods usually leave food deposits between your teeth.  Please don't forget to floss extra when you are eating these summer BBQ delights. 

                Many people go camping in the summer months.  Make sure you don't forget to put dental floss on your camping list (and of course your tooth brush and paste).  Just because you're in a tent doesn't mean that your dental hygiene should suffer.  Swishing, flossing and brushing are important whether you are camping, vacationing in a 5 Star resort or just hanging around the house.

                Please remember to always swish, floss, brush and swish again and continue to see your dentist at least every six months or as often as your dentist prescribes

            Congratulations again to all Graduates!!! Congratulations of all families of Graduates!!!

And in closing, Congratulations to all of you whom have made your summer DENTAL CHECK-UP APPOINTMENT!!!!

                                                                        -DR. ROB-