Sunday, September 24, 2017

5 Oral Health Musts for Caregivers


As a Caregiver, you may have to assist or even take a hands-on approach to dental care. It’s important to point out that when caring for someone’s overall health, their dental health is often just as critical. Preventing infections, dental pain, and other oral complications can help to improve or maintain a person’s quality of life.
Thoroughly removing plaque and germs from all surfaces of the teeth promotes gum health and helps prevent cavities. 

5 Tips for oral care

  • For those with their natural teeth, it is ideal to brush twice daily (or at least once a day) using a soft bristled toothbrush. If a person is unable to brush on his or her own, a power toothbrush may be a helpful tool in many cases – though it will likely take some practice when you start using it on someone else! If the person is able to spit after brushing,
  •   Fluoride toothpaste is a great choice. For individuals with swallowing problems (or those unable to spit), brushing with water is also an option.
  • Flossing (or using other interdental tools) to clean between the teeth every day cleans where a toothbrush can’t reach and is extremely important in preventing decay.
Visually examining the teeth and gums and soft tissues once a week can catch potentially serious problems early.
  • Using a disposable dental mirror* and penlight, examine soft tissues of the mouth for sores red or white spots on the gums, cheek, palate, and tongue. Red or white areas in the mouth that do not clear up should be seen referred to your dentist for evaluation.
  • Examine also for broken teeth and missing fillings.

6 tips for full and partial dentures

  • Dentures and partials need to be cleaned every day. 
  • Removed overnight and soaked in a denture soak.
  • They should be brushed with a soft bristled brush that is designed for dentures. 
  • Don’t use regular toothpaste to clean dentures- it is likely too abrasive and may cause damage. You can use mild dishwashing liquid to clean them if commercial cleaners are not available. 
  • When you are cleaning dentures, do so over a towel. This can prevent breakage if they drop in the sink or onto the floor. 
  • If dentures do not fit well, be sure to visit your dentist. Ill-fitting dentures can cause sores and can lead a person to stop eating from discomfort.
  • Over the counter moisturizing products are available
  • Fluoride rinses of concentrated prescription strength fluoride toothpaste prevent cavities when used consistently.
  • Regular dental examinations can help to identify problems before they cause unnecessary pain.
  • In addition, professional cleanings are necessary to maintain natural teeth and avoid gum infections or gum disease.
Dentures and removable partials require special care to keep them clean, free from damage, and fitting well.

4 Additional tips and recommendations

We all need saliva to moisten and cleanse our mouths, and to digest food. Dry mouth can be caused by medical conditions, as a side effect of many medications, or from certain medical treatments (such as chemotherapy or radiation treatments for cancer). Dry mouth can cause discomfort and lead to a dramatic increase in dental decay over a short time. 



  • Over the counter moisturizing products are available
  • Fluoride rinses of concentrated prescription strength fluoride toothpaste prevent cavities when used consistently.
  • Regular dental examinations can help to identify problems before they cause unnecessary pain.
  • In addition, professional cleanings are necessary to maintain natural teeth and avoid gum infections or gum disease.

A great resource for Caregivers, “Dental Care Every Day: A Caregiver’s Guide” can be found online on the website for the National Institute of Health at:

Preventive measures go a long way when it comes to dental health, leading to better overall health.

*Disposable mouth mirrors can be found at Amazon if you follow this link https://goo.gl/xhUJBh

Dr Neal can advise you in your  oral health caregiving. at Crystal Lake Dental Associates


815 459 2202

Your comments are welcome

Phillip C. Neal DDS
Crystal Lake Dental Associates
280 B Memorial Court
Crystal Lake, Illinois 60014

https://www.crystallakedentalassociates.com/



Friday, September 8, 2017

5 reasons to replace a missing tooth



Reasons to replace missing teeth include:


1) Your jaw bone around a missing tooth deteriorates  causing receeding gums 
2) Your neighboring  teeth will  leading to spacing, cavities, and gum disease
3) Your remianing teeth will work harder causing more wear and breakage
4) Your muscles of your jaw will work differently to compensate for changes in your bite
5) Missing teeth change support for your smile and lower face leading to a sunken in appearance

Millions of Americans are missing teeth

According to the American College of Prosthodontics:
More than 36 million Americans do not have any teeth, and 120 million people in the U.S. are missing at least one tooth. These numbers are expected to grow in the next two decades.
Tooth loss happens from decay and gums disease, and as a result of injury, cancer, or simply wear.
Edentulism affects our most vulnerable populations – the aging and the economically disadvantaged.
In the geriatric population the ratio of edentulous individuals is 2 to 1. About 23 million are completely edentulous and about 12 million are edentulous in one arch.
90 percent of those who suffer from edentulism have dentures.
The number of partially edentulous patients will continue to increase in the next 15 years to more than 200 million individuals. Partial edentulism affects the majority of adult Americans.
Consequences of missing teeth include significant nutritional changes, obesity, diabetes, coronary artery disease, and some forms of cancer. More than 36 million Americans do not have any teeth, and 120 million people in the U.S. are missing at least one tooth. These numbers are expected to grow in the next two decades.

There are many options available to replacing missing teeth including implants, fixed bridges, removable partials and dentures


Dr Neal can go over these options with you and help you have a beautiful healthy smile at Crystal Lake Dental Associates



815 459 2202



Your comments are welcome

Phillip C. Neal DDS
Crystal Lake Dental Associates
280 B Memorial Court
Crystal Lake, Illinois 60014


drneal.com

About Me

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Born in the Midwest. Married with 6 children and 3 grandchildren. Attended Maine West High School, Harper Jr College, Northern Illinois University, the University of Illinois College of Dentistry. Practice in Crystal Lake, Illinois.