With the American population living longer, seniors' oral health has become an important issue, as has the widespread problem of elder abuse. Every year more than 2.5 million older Americans may be victims of elder abuse, and in some cases dentists serve as the first line of defense, according to a report in the May/June 2005 issue of General Dentistry, the clinical, peer-reviewed journal of the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD). To read the entire article, visit:KnowYourTeeth.com
How We Care for our Seniors As we age, our bodies change and have different needs from when we were younger. The same is true for our teeth and gums. We pay special attention to problems seniors often face.
Fillings will often loosen over time and need to be replaced before decay sets in. There are certain medications a patient may be taking that reduce the necessary flow of saliva through the mouth. Consumption of certain foods and drink over the years may have stained teeth, so they are no longer white and detract from the appearance of your smile. Gum infection is the number one problem we watch for in seniors.
With regular check-ups and your continued daily dental care and good nutrition, most problems can be prevented or taken care of before they become big problems. If ever your gums start to bleed during brushing or flossing, please contact us immediately. This is generally an early sign of gum disease. Dr. Rick Kava's Sioux City Dental 2930 Hamilton Blvd., Upper F Suite 101 Sioux City, IA 51104 (712) 258-6169 DrKava.com
Flossing helps control plaque. It can reach where a toothbrush can't, like between the teeth. Floss daily with floss and interdental cleaners that carry the American Dental Association (ADA) seal. Ask your dentist for tips if you're not sure how to floss. Like everything else, flossing gets easier with practice. The above article is from: WebMD.com
Brushing your teeth twice a day not only keeps your breath sweet, but also helps rid the mouth of bacteria that makes up plaque and can lead to oral infections. To brush properly, point bristles at a 45-degree angle against the gums. Use gentle back-and-forth strokes all over your teeth -- in front, in back, and on chewing surfaces -- for two minutes. If holding a toothbrush is hard for you, try an electric toothbrush. Also brush your gums and tongue. The above article is from: WebMD.com
Cleanliness is Always Our Concern We never take any chances with your health. Modern dentistry requires both reusable and one-use tools. We sterilize nondisposable tools in a special unit known as an autoclave. To ensure this process meets the required standards, it is monitored by an outside lab. Your good health is always our main concern in every procedure and on every level. Dr. Rick Kava's Sioux City Dental 2930 Hamilton Blvd., Upper F Suite 101 Sioux City, IA 51104 (712) 258-6169 DrKava.com
Sticky plaque -- food, saliva, and bacteria -- starts to form on your teeth after you eat, releasing acids that attack tooth enamel. Untreated plaque turns into tartar, which builds under gum lines and is hard to remove with flossing. The longer it stays on your teeth, the more harmful it is. Bacteria in plaque causes inflammation and leads to gum disease. Having high blood sugar often makes gum disease worse. The above article is from:WebMD.com
Technology Lets You Be Part of the Team Dr. Kava strives to create teamwork with each of his patients. With modern technology, you will be able to see for yourself which teeth need work and which are in their best shape. The intra-oral camera provides a crystal-clear, close-up picture of your teeth. It gives you the advantage of making confident decisions about your care. Patients love being a part of this process! Dr. Rick Kava's Sioux City Dental 2930 Hamilton Blvd., Upper F Suite 101 Sioux City, IA 51104 (712) 258-6169 DrKava.com
With the American population living longer, seniors' oral health has become an important issue, as has the widespread problem of elder abuse. Every year more than 2.5 million older Americans may be victims of elder abuse, and in some cases dentists serve as the first line of defense, according to a report in the May/June 2005 issue of General Dentistry, the clinical, peer-reviewed journal of the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD).
