When Robert Browning said, “Grow old with me! The best is yet to be,” I don’t believe he was referring to the merits of our aging bodies. No one really likes to think of getting old but as we watch the maturing process, we need to distinguish between what happens during normal aging and changes that occur due to disease.
Physical changes happen to everyone and unfortunately are not reversible. Disease changes, however, are often treatable and even reversible when we remove the obstacles that are interfering with optimum health.
I have had many opportunities over the past 35 years to address the concerns of my aging patients. I have selected seven of the most common myths that people have shared with me that I want to dispel:
1. My gums will just naturally recede as I age 2. My teeth will become loose as I get older 3. Bad breath comes with old age 4. Cavities are only for young people 5. Tooth loss is inevitable and just a fact of old age 6. I don’t really need my teeth. They are just for appearance 7. Once I have dentures, I won’t have to see a dentist anymore
First of all, I want to stress that healthy teeth and gums are available to people of all ages. Our natural teeth were meant to last a lifetime - provided we care for them properly. Many of the biggest problems in our mouths stem from the tiniest creatures; microorganisms so small they are invisible to our naked eyes. Yet their diminutive size has no bearing on the enormous harm they can cause.
Mouth bacteria have been identified for hundreds of years. There are over 700 different species at last count. Some are even beneficial to our bodies. But the bad guys, a relatively few species of anaerobes (ones that cannot live in the presence of oxygen) have been associated with periodontal diseases, infections that put our teeth, gums, and jawbone in jeopardy and can cause us to lose our teeth. So, if one can learn how to keep these germs under control, or eliminate them entirely (which I have witnessed using the microscope) one is apt to keep their teeth for a lifetime.
Taking control of the pathogens in your mouth means that you can avoid receding gums, loose teeth, cavities, and even bad breath that has been associated with aging. Tooth loss is not inevitable, and many old folks these days are living well into their nineties with a full set of natural teeth. These “youngsters” who have their precious teeth chew better, enjoy whole foods, (as opposed to pureed) eat healthier and more delicious fare, live longer, tend to be happier, and have more self confidence.
Aside from the threats to your mouth, oral infections have been linked to other whole body problems such as cardiovascular diseases, stroke, diabetic complications, and other very serious illnesses. All the more reason to keep your mouth germ-free and healthy. It is important to see your dentist 2-3 times a year so she can make sure all of your mouth tissues, not just your teeth and gums, are healthy.
One of the very simple things you can do to kill the anaerobes is to make yourself an easy and very effective dentifrice out of three basic household ingredients you probably already have in your kitchens or medicine chests right now. Baking soda and salt have been used as a toothpaste since the pioneer days, and many of you who have your natural dentition have probably been using this natural home remedy for years. I have modified it slightly to include hydrogen peroxide (mixed half and half with water) to oxygenate the bacteria. For a copy of the recipe that I call Mama Gums’ Magic Mix, you can download my FREE “Mama Gums’ MINIMUM Daily Prescription for Oral Health” at www.mamagums.com.
Sheila Wolf, RDH, (Mama Gums) has been a registered dental hygienist since 1971. She is currently enjoying writing, speaking, and consulting on various oral health issues. She has authored two award-winning books, "Pregnancy and Oral Health" and "Your Mouth Could Be Killing You." Both are available through her website, (autographed and with a free gift) http://www.mamagums.com/about_book.html , and at finer bookstores everywhere. Sheila also works with people privately as an oral wellness coach and does microscopic screenings as part of her educational process. You may reach Sheila through her website, www.mamagums.com or in San Diego at 619 241-2201.
