Have you ever looked directly into the mouth of a 104-year-old lady? To a young boy who is approximately 94 years younger and a few inches shorter than the lady in question, it can be quite a traumatic experience to be faced with the inner trappings of such a mouth when this old lady approaches him for the proverbial hug and kiss and all he sees (and smells!) is 104 years of whatever has gone into that mouth. To a dentist, whatever goes into a mouth greatly affects not only one’s teeth and gums, but one’s overall health, as well.
I have often wondered what my blue-haired granny does in terms of oral health care. I mean, let’s face it, whenever I go to the dentist for my regular check-up, I am bombarded with a litany of questions so the practitioner can determine if I am truly keeping up with the home care of my teeth. I admit, I am not always great at regular flossing, but I do brush four times per day. My weak excuses when it comes to the flossing part usually rest on how busy I am to do that.
However, I interviewed my dentist and discovered a few interesting things about our teeth and gums. Grandma Kora and I want to share those with you in this forum. There is one thing you have to understand about Grandma. Her catch-phrases include, “Good eatin’” and “As long as I can still eat, I am fine.” Suffice it to say, discussion at breakfast usually includes what is on the lunch menu. She goes on cruises not for the destination points, but for the round-the-clock availability of food. Grandma does not tip the scales, but she does see eating as a sport, and she is going for the gold!
With all of that “good eatin’,” we have to assume Grandma tends to regular brushing and flossing. As I learned in my research for this article, the care we take of our teeth and gums significantly impacts our overall health. Grandma does brush her teeth (thank goodness), although with her limited vision, she may not cover every part of her mouth (hence, the occasional stench of bad breath my sons endure whenever she leans over to hug them). I remember the nights I would spend at Grandma’s house when I was a kid, and at bedtime, she would always tell us, “I’ve got to go clean my teeth and wash my face.” She still says this routinely. At least she still has her priorities straight after all of these years!
According to Donna Gardner, DDS, graduate of the University of Missouri – Kansas City Dental College, and celebrated dentist in the Kansas City area for 29 years, “dental disease is the most common disease affecting people besides the common cold.”
“Never get sick,” Grandma proudly proclaims about herself. She tends to cough a lot. She always has. However, she just chalks it up to “tuberculosis” and leaves it at that. Trust me. She does not have TB. She has made this claim for decades, yet she is still here. She has to blame it on something. I believe she just coughs now and then when she inadvertently chokes on a peanut or potato chip! Good eatin’, you know!
Dr. Gardner stressed that the key preventative measures to cavities and gum disease include brushing, flossing (here we go again!) and regular check-ups with professional cleanings. I know Grandma still sees her dentist. This is a woman who will have someone drive her 30 miles to the nearest “big city” just to get her toe nails trimmed! Priorities, remember?
For women, it is important to realize that hormonal changes can dramatically affect the gums and the surrounding soft tissue, according to Dr. Gardner. Even pregnancy can produce a marked increase in the production of plaque. This then requires more attention to daily home care and perhaps additional visits to the dentist for a thorough and professional cleaning. This is also a good time to limit the intake of carbonated beverages, spicy foods and citrus juices.
“I never did care for fruit, anyway,” said Grandma. Of course, at her age, she truly does not have to worry about hormonal changes due to pregnancy. She did have an unusual return of her “monthly visitor” dropping by in her 102nd year of life, but I think that is all under control now. It never really cramped her style, however. She just refrained from an active dating life during that time!
Another dental concern of which we should all be aware is periodontal disease. This has been linked to heart disease, stroke, diabetes and other degenerative diseases that are potentially life-threatening. Okay, this is further evidence to me that Grandma still has a toothbrush in her bathroom. She has no diseases that are life-threatening, and, at nearly 105 years of age, she is still getting along by herself. I am now starting to rethink that flossing issue of mine. I want to live as long as Grandma, if not longer.
Dr. Gardner did point out that there are certain foods women should keep in their diets to maintain good dental health. “These include antioxidants, fish oil and vitamins B, C and D,” she noted. It is also good to have a variety of foods from the four food groups. Are salt and grease food groups? If not, someone better let Grandma know, as those are the two staples of her food pyramid - and McDonald’s, too!
Another major disease of the gums is gingivitis. Fortunately, this bacterial infection can be reversed. On the other hand, periodontal disease is a gum and bone disease that can be controlled, yet one can never be completely “cured” of it.
“For improved health,” stated Dr. Gardner, “we must start with our mouth. Everything we eat, drink and breathe goes through our mouths.” Goodness! At Grandma’s age, that is a lot of stuff drifting through her mouth since the early 1900s. Yet, amazingly, she still has all of her own teeth! I think a case study is in order here!
Now, if you will excuse me, I have some flossing to do.
Ann Butenas
www.anzpublications.com
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