Oral Health and Seniors

This post is sponsored by Crest, but all opinions about Crest’s product are my own.
                                                                                                                                                  

As Professor Emeritus of one of the largest Dental Hygiene Programs in the USA, Ferris State University, I have continued my career as a professional speaker, author, volunteer, and Key Opinion Leader for several companies in the dental industry. I enjoy the extra time away from university teaching to volunteer and give back to my community. I have served with the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) in both Michigan and Florida. As a result of my relationship with these organizations, I have been able to deliver several educational program(s) on Oral Health and Whole Body Wellness for seniors, children groups, and special needs organizations. Living in Florida, I have taken advantage of the plethora of opportunities to interact with seniors personally in my community and professionally with groups in senior living communities.  I have observed several oral care issues that are important to seniors.

Three of the top concerns include:

1) Tooth sensitivity

2) Discolored teeth

3) Dry mouth

It is an amazing time in dentistry with so many options for addressing the concerns of our patients, friends, and family. As any oral health professional knows, once we reveal we are in dentistry a conversation always develops regarding concerns about their personal oral health. I am amazed at the stories I have heard from individuals, whether at a Chamber of Commerce meeting or a community event for seniors. Often, I am asked my personal and professional opinion regarding treatment they have had or are considering having. Many times they open their mouths to show me a specific area of concern and how I would treat that area, which is very interesting as I don't generally carry my instruments, X-ray equipment, and gloves with me to social functions. I suppose other trades and professions are put in the same situation.  Equally interesting is that I have not practiced as a clinician in many years.

These inquiries prompted me to develop specific programs aimed at senior's concerns. I have given presentations at the RSVP facilities and several assisted living homes for higher functioning adults. There is always great interest and good attendance for this topic. I discuss how the mouth is the portal of entry and the beginning of digestion for our nutritional needs. Further, I discuss the role of inflammatory diseases in the mouth caused by an imbalance of hundreds of bacteria and how the inflammation influences the rest of the body as the inflammation is carried through the blood stream to organs in the rest of the body.

It is rewarding to watch their responses when they see how this information relates to their own health. Many have no idea the extent of the effects of oral health to the rest of their body. Many seniors are managing issues in obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. I show them the links to inflammation in the mouth and its impact on these conditions and offering advice on better management of their systemic conditions by improved oral health and reduction of inflammation.  

In 2006, Scientific American released a custom publication sponsored by Procter & Gamble titled, Oral and Whole Body Health. This publication was written for the general public and identified the association of inflammatory processes in the mouth and how inflammation produces markers that can be tested by simple blood tests indicating inflammation. Inflammation in the mouth (periodontitis) has been linked to other chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, low birth weight babies, and pneumonia acquired from hospital and nursing homes when intubation is used.[i]  Since that publication, numerous studies and publications have shared with the public and the profession the concept that oral disease and inflammation can exacerbate other conditions in the body.

During the question and answer session, several hands go up asking about oral health and chemotherapy, tooth sensitivity, and discolored teeth. I then discuss specific recommendations based on their individual questions. I am excited about a new product launched by Crest to address tooth sensitivity. This product is unique in treatment delivery. Whereas most products aimed at tooth sensitivity take weeks to reduce pain, Crest Sensi-Stop Strips are applied to the gum line for ten minutes, providing immediate relief in a targeted area for up to one month of protection, according to Internal Market Research that the company has conducted. The product is applied similarly to tooth whitening products, which are familiar to many individuals. With 50% of US adults suffering from sensitive teeth and only 4 in 10 being satisfied with their current sensitivity toothpaste[ii], this product is innovative and needed to address this prevalent oral health issue. Personally, I have received feedback from individuals that are using the product with great success. I am pleased that Crest is addressing this critical issue for seniors. With the growing population of Baby Boomers, who still retain most of their teeth, this is indeed a gift. Many have reported how they can once again enjoy iced drinks or ice cream with their grandchildren. Thank you Crest for continuing to make a difference in the lives of our patients.

Linda Meeuwenberg, RDH, MA, MA, FADIA is an internationally recognized speaker and best-selling author. A frequent contributor to dental journals, she spends her time on the beaches in Brevard County and the Space Coast of Florida writing and developing educational programs for the lay public, as well, as continuing education for dental professionals.  She serves as an Editorial Review Board member for Crest/Oral-B and has served as on the Oral-B Speakers Board and Advisory Panel. Linda is a 2009 Hygiene Hero and a 2012 Sunstar/RDH Award of Distinction Recipient for her numerous volunteer activities.  She serves as the Vice President of the Brevard County Dental Hygiene Association and is an active member of the Cocoa Beach Area Regional Chamber of Commerce. For more information about the Crest Sensi-Stop Strips, ask your dental professional or visit the website www.crest.com.

I received compensation from Crest in exchange for providing this review of Crest’s products, but all opinions are my own.

 

[i] Scientific American, Inc., Procter & Gamble Company, and Oral-B. Oral and Whole Body Health. New York: Scientific American, 2006. Print.
[ii]   Irwin CR, Internal (Procter & Gamble Company) Market Research H&P Data May 2013

JUGGLING HOME AND WORK: BALANCE NOT BLAME
WRITTEN FOR: ADIA & PM NEWSLETTER

Linda Meeuwenberg
www.lindapda.com

“Happiness is not a matter of intensity, but of balance and rhythm as
you move through the next moments of life and the next.” Thomas
Merton 1955

1. Do you feel overwhelmed?
2. Have you recently experienced a period of weight gain or loss?
3. Are you tired when you wake up? Do you have difficulty falling asleep or
wake in the night unable to return to sleep?
4. Do you feel irritated, angry, and impatient?
5. Do you experience headaches, back pain, or gastrointestinal disturbances?
6. Do you feel resentment toward family or office team?
7. Do you need to have an “adult beverage” to sleep or unwind?

If you answered yes to any of these questions you can consider yourself a
“normal” stressed out American. Look around you at the number of stressed out
people – talking on cell phones, honking horns, frowning, etc. The American
Institute of Stress notes that 75%-90% of visits to primary care physicians are
for stress related complaints. IF you have multiple yes responses, it’s time to
create balance!

As females, society has socialized us to be caretakers without teaching how to
take care of ourselves FIRST. Statistically speaking, daughters, mothers,
grandmothers, and wives provide four-fifths of the unpaid care giving in the
United States. We are in a helping profession. We care for our patients under
stressful situations - anxious patients, keeping on schedule, etc. The demands
of the office combined with our personal life can lead us into unhealthy behaviors
IF we don’t create balance.

Try these suggestions for improved balance in your life.
1. Allow quiet time each day just for YOU. 78% of adults say they wish
they had more time to stop and smell the roses. We all need down time
to disconnect from people. This may be a 15-30 minute early morning
“me time”, a quiet retreat alone during lunch, or after work prior to facing
the demands of home. Place a Do Not Disturb sign on your bedroom door
and teach your family to respect your quiet time.

2. Practice Gratitude. When you express gratitude and appreciation, your
brain cannot be stressed at the same time. Instead of sending out
messages of martyrdom, resentment, or cynicism, try this simple exercise.
Upon waking, give thanks for another new day – it’s better than the
alternative! As you walk through your home take a moment to appreciate
special things in your home, the aroma of fresh coffee and the hug of
your pet, and/or loved one. Upon arriving at the office, focus on what
you appreciate, rather than dreading that one undesirable task or patient
scheduled. Generously give compliments. Few people feel appreciated.
Watch the magic when you express appreciation.

3. Delegate. In the U.S., women work 76-89 hours a week, including
housework, childcare, and employment. It may seem easier to “just do it
myself”. Efficiency is highly overrated! From the toddler to teenager daily
contributions to an efficient running home can be developed together.
That means you may have to be tolerant of towels being folded
“incorrectly”. Housekeeping police are only a myth. We may have to
become more tolerant of someone performing a task less efficiently than
we do at the office to reduce stress and resentment.

4. Exercise. According to the Surgeon General 30 minutes of aerobic
activity a day can lengthen our lives, control stress, reduce excess body
fat, and improve sleep. AND, it doesn’t have to be done at the same
time. If you can connect with nature while exercising, you have the added
component of connecting spiritually with mother earth. Feel, touch,
breathe, and smell what is around you.

5. Laugh! Find humor in something everyday. Laughter improves oxygen
flow and creates endorphins.

6. BREATHE. Hold a pleasant thought in your mind. Place your hands on
your belly and slowly inhale to a count of 7 while your belly expands.
Hold for 4 seconds and slowly exhale for a count of 8 while your abdomen
collapses. Once you become aware of deep breathing, be aware of your
breathing throughout the day. Breathing deeply reduces muscle tension,
heart rate, and blood pressure.

In conclusion, I leave you with a couple of my favorite quotes.
1. “Permitting your life to be taken over by another person is like letting the
waiter eat your dinner”. (Vernon Howard)

2. “Only you can make your mind up! You’re the one and only one!” (Dr.
Suess)

Finally, if all else fails – hire a housekeeper!


About the Author: Linda Meeuwenberg, RDH, M.A., M.A. is the founder of
Professional Development Association, Inc. and Professor of Dental Hygiene at
Ferris State University in Michigan. She is an active member of the ADIA & PM
and has served as an advisory board member, lecturer, and contributing author.
She is recognized internationally for her inspiring lectures and journal articles
that help people improve their personal performance. She considers herself a
former stress junkie and a stress survivor.
This article is an overview of a lunch and learn session presented in February at
the ADIA & PM Winter Symposium in San Diego, CA.