Caries in Seniors

At Ardas Family Dental, Parker, CO we’re committed to providing for the oral health needs of seniors, just as we would for patients of any age. Tooth loss is not an inevitable part of aging but is the result of diseases which should be fought. Therefore, it saddens us that the Centers for Disease Control estimates that one in five seniors had untreated tooth decay. We want to take some time to address why that is.

This level of tooth decay often is a decline in oral health and not just the result of a lifetime of poor maintenance. While it is true that seniors who grew up without fluoridated water are more vulnerable to decay, their increased rate of infections can often be traced to changes in their lifestyles. Some become forgetful about brushing, but some also have limited dexterity or lack insurance options. They may also be eating softer food, which may be innutritious and high in sugar, or suffering from dry mouth, which is a common side-effect of medications for cancer and anxiety, among other things.

All of these problems are fixable. We accept a large number of insurances, including Medicaid, and provide flexible payment plans. Our hygienists can recommend products following a deep cleaning which are easier to use for people with limited dexterity, along with throat moisturizers. We also are highly skilled in providing restorations to seniors whose teeth have already been damaged.

Dr. Roopi Kattaura operates Ardas Family Dental at 10233 S Parker Rd, Suite 205, Parker, Colorado. To learn more about diabetes and oral health, call 720-459-8420 or visit Ardas Family Dental and fill out a contact sheet.

 

 

Alcohol and Oral Cancer

One of our many services at Ardas Family Dental in Parker, Colorado is screening for oral cancer. In recent years, the public has become more aware of the dangers of tobacco and HPV, but in November, the American Society of Clinical Oncology announced that alcohol also drives up oral cancer rates.

It was long known that alcohol combined with tobacco use was a major cause of oral cancer, but it was difficult to get data on the two factors independent of each other. What is new about the ASCO study is that it found that alcohol alone increases a person’s risk and that this is true even for light drinkers. Why, exactly, remains unclear. It could be that alcohol breaks down mouth tissue and when the tissue rebuilds, the DNA is damaged, resulting in the growth of cancerous tissue. In any case, which kind of alcohol is consumed appears to be irrelevant, and heavy drinkers are at the most risk.

Oral cancer is far from the only kind linked to alcohol, but cancers of the aerodigestive tract (which includes the mouth and esophagus) are unique in that the risk of cancer is known to decline if the patient stops drinking. Ardas Family Dental also provides reconstructive work for those already battling cancer.

Dr. Roopi Kattaura operates Ardas Family Dental at 10233 S Parker Rd, Suite 205, Parker, Colorado. To learn more about diabetes and oral health, call 720-459-8420 or visit ArdasFamilyDental.com and fill out a contact sheet.

The Diabetes-Gum Disease Connection

In Parker, Colorado, we at Ardas Family Dental are particularly attentive to the needs of our diabetic patients. Diabetes puts people at heightened risk for gum disease, which is why we want to educate our patients about it and emphasize the importance of oral hygiene.

Gum inflammation is called gingivitis. It occurs as a result of bacteria in the gum pockets producing a large amount of acid. The acid is a by-product of bacteria feeding on sugar, so when they have more sugar to feed on, they multiply faster, produce more acid, and cause more damage to the gums. The acid becomes trapped in a sticky substance on the teeth called plaque, and if gingivitis isn’t stopped, it could progress into a much more serious ailment, periodontal disease.

People with diabetes have a harder time fighting off infections. There is also evidence that periodontal disease makes it harder for the body to regulate glucose levels. When glucose levels are poorly controlled, gum disease is more likely to develop and worsen. What all this means is that diabetic people need to make sure they are keeping regular dental appointments and keeping us informed if they are having difficulty controlling their blood sugar levels.

Dr. Roopi Kattaura operates Ardas Family Dental at 10233 S Parker Rd, Suite 205, Parker, Colorado. To learn more about diabetes and oral health, call 720-459-8420 or visit ArdasFamilyDental.com and fill out a contact sheet.