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back to Preventative HYGIENE Maybe you believe "ignorance is bliss." We don't. So, read on. You will certainly learn something, and you may benefit for the rest of your life. Save that Smile! Ageing can affect what we eat and what we need to eat; diet may affect the way we age. Diet plays an important role in the prevention of gum disease and tooth decay. Regardless of age, people need a diet that contains carbohydrates, fats, proteins, minerals, vitamins, and water. Good nutrition is important for healthy teeth and a healthy body. Canada's Food Guide recommends adequate amounts of foods from the four food groups— milk and milk products; meat, fish, poultry and alternates such as eggs and nuts; breads and cereals; fruits and vegetables. Select and prepare food with limited amounts of fat, salt, and sugar to protect your teeth and your general health. Remember to include those very important nutrients, vitamin C — found in fruits and vegetables, and calcium—found in milk and milk products.	Preventative HYGIENE for OLDER ADULTS Tooth loss is becoming less common and clearly is not an inevitable part of growing older. As we grow older, our internal clocks function at a slower pace. Knowing how the body changes as one grows older will bring an understanding of the need to make good dental habits a part of daily living. • Lips may become dry and the corners of the mouth may crack. • Gums may change colour from pink to red or white. Gums may recede, exposing the roots of your teeth. When this happens, cavities of the roots may develop. Once decay has begun, root cavities may progress rapidly. • Taste may be less acute and you may want more seasoning. • Teeth may be discoloured—smoking, and drinking tea and coffee over the years will stain them. Teeth may show signs of wear too, especially from grinding, which some do when asleep. • Dry mouth is common in older adults. Dry mouth is sometimes caused by improper breathing - breathing through the mouth for example. Radiation therapy for cancer, and certain drugs, will sometimes affect the salivary glands, resulting in dry mouth. • Dentures which do not fit well can cause inadequate chewing which could lead to poor nutrition. They will also rub and irritate your mouth and gums. As well as causing pain, constant irritation could increase the risk of oral cancer. • Oral medications can affect your teeth, gums and soft tissues. Ask your dentist and physician about possible effects of any medications you are taking.	Early Detection Best Protection Against Oral Cancer Some older adults, especially those who smoke or drink excessive amounts of alcoholic beverages, and other factors such as chronic irritation inside the mouth, have a higher risk of developing oral cancer. When you visit your dentist or dental hygienist, you will probably receive an oral cancer examination as a routine preventive health care measure. You should also learn to examine yourself for signs of oral cancer. Self-examination increases chances of discovering oral malignancies in early stages when prompt diagnosis and treatment can increase the chances of controlling or arresting the disease. Some early warning signs that could mean oral cancer are: • Any sores on the face, neck or mouth that do not heal within two weeks. • Swelling, lumps or bumps on the lips, gums or other areas inside the mouth. • White, red or dark patches in the mouth. • Repeated bleeding in the mouth. • Numbness, loss of feeling or pain in any area of the face, mouth or neck. Make self-examination for oral cancer a regular part of your health routine. Our bodies may respond more slowly as we grow older, but there is little doubt that a healthy mouth, and teeth and gums that are sound, go a long way toward dignifying and enriching our later years.
The idea that a toothless grin, along with rheumatism, constipation, and a foggy memory, is an inevitable part of the growing older package, is a myth. With regular care, teeth should last a lifetime and you can have a beautiful smile for life. Healthy teeth and gums are important to how we feel and how we look and make it easy to enjoy the good things life has to offer. With sound teeth, it's easy to chew those delicious foods which are a part of a tasty and nutritious diet. Sound teeth also support facial muscles which improve appearance, and they help us speak and sing more clearly. With a clean, healthy mouth, there's less chance of offending others with bad breath odour. A clean and healthy mouth inspires self-confidence and is a powerful asset when socializing with friends. Sound teeth and gums are an integral part of a healthy body. Care for your oral health as you care for your physical health—regular check-ups, daily care, and follow your dentist's and doctor's advice. You'll feet better for it. Dental care is a life-long process. Dental care needs may change as we get older, but the need for good dental habits remains the same: Brush and floss daily, drink fluoridated water or use fluoride rinses and toothpastes daily, have regular checkups, and choose healthful snacks and well-balanced meals.