Two new studies involving older people, show that the following chronic diseases significantly increase the odds of dental decay: cardiovascular disease, rheumatic disease, mood disorders and eating disorders.
The connection between diseases, is four or more medications taken regularly; this level of polypharmacy is the threshold for poor salivary flow. Saliva is a preventive agent against dental decay.
Almost 2 out of 3 Canadian seniors take 5 or more medications daily.
That means the average hygienist in a Canadian dental practice sees each day, one older adult at high risk of (more) cavities or crowns.
And how are these high risk older adults protected from this extraordinary risk?
Well, we know this: a simple cleaning will not be effective; there are no well-controlled studies which show this common procedure is adequate for high risk adults. On the other hand, a high strength, sustained release antimicrobial coating will be significantly effective.
Which approach would you like taken for your Mom?
For more, please visit: http://partnersinprevention.ca/dental-care-for-your-mom/
By: Ross Perry
SOURCED: Partners In Prevention – http://partnersinprevention.ca
