Healthy Mouth: Pearly Whites for the Long Haul

HEALTHY MOUTH PEARLY WHITES FOR THE LONG HAUL THE TOLL OUR TEETH TAKE Common Dental Problems for Menopausal or Postmenopausal Women » TEETH » GUM RECESSION Women with osteoporosis are.. Three times more likely to experience tooth loss 3 out of 4 adults have a form of periodontal disease, which is a leading cause of receding gums More likely to have difficulty with ill-fitting dentures and » TOOTH less optimal outcomes from SENSITIVITY oral surgical procedures Is often the result of worn tooth enamel or exposed tooth roots from » DECREASED BONE gum loss MINERAL DENSITY (BMD) IN THE JAWBONE Alveolar process: the portion of the jawbone that supports our teeth Several studies found a link Osteoporosis and estrogen deficiency are risk factors for alveolar bone density loss in between the loss of alveolar bone and an increase in loose teeth postmenopausal women with a history of periodontitis TREAT YOUR TEETH Healthy Goodies Strong Smile Eat foods high in A higher 1/4 cup of yogurt Probiotics, calcium and phosphorus so-called "good" bacteria, may consumption of folic every day can decrease your risk of serious gum acid from food lowers your risk of bleeding gums compete with disease by 50 cavity-causing oral percent bacteria Cheese Milk Calcium- fortified tofu Sensitive Snacking Limit acidic foods and drinks which can remove tooth enamel, such as: Leafy greens Meat Poultry Carbonated Citrus fruits Wine Yogurt Almonds Fish Eggs drinks » Use a straw when drinking » Avoid brushing teeth immediately after eating or drinking acidic substances acidic liquids » Balance acid levels in your mouth by drinking milk or > Acid can soften enamel and water after an acidic meal increase chances of erosion during brushing GETTING DOWN TO THE BASICS Choosing Toothpaste Look for a desensitizing toothpaste for sensitive teeth Avoid highly abrasive toothpaste Helps block pain after several applications DIY Toothpaste Recipe for Sensitive Teeth INGREDIENTS INSTRUCTIONS » 4 Tbsp coconut oil » 3 Tbsp natural baking soda » 3 Tbsp bentonite clay Mix all ingredients with a 2 Store in a container. » 1tsp Xylitol non-metal spoon in a non-metal bowl (bentonite clay is volcanic ash and has an electric charge). If coconut oil is solid, warm on » 20 drops essential oils* the stove at low heat for a few minutes. » 5-10 drops concentrated trace minerals** *Oils recommended for oral health are clove, myrrh, oregano, thyme, lemon, helichrysum, eucalyptus, peppermint, wintergreen, and frankincense 4 Safe for children and adults. Dip toothbrush in and brush normally. Keeps for several months at **Water as needed room temperature. Choosing a Toothbrush How to Brush Look for a toothbrush with: » A small head Should take two Short, vertical sweeping motion, not a horizontal » Soft bristles for sensitive minutes teeth scrubbing one » A compact, angled arrangement of long and short round-end bristles Avoid excessive brushing and flossing, and vigorous or harsh scrubbing How to Floss » Floss before brushing Take 12-18 inches 2 Grasp it with a couple 3 Slip floss between the 4 Floss with 8-10 of floss of inches of floss taut teeth and into the strokes, up and down between hands area between teeth between each tooth and gums as far as it will go Benefits of Flossing Using a Water Pick Dislodges food » Aims a stream of water at teeth to remove food particles Reduces gum disease and bad breath by removing plaque that forms along the gum line » May help reduce bleeding and gum disease » Plaque can lead to: » Is not a substitute for brushing and flossing Cavities Tooth decay Gum disease Oral care is essential for everyone especially as we get older. Making healthy food choices and sticking to a consistent cleaning routine can help keep your mouth in great shape. Brought to you by: 7yearsyounger.com humana.com In partnership with: mayoclinic.org menopause.org mouthhealthy.org HEALTH PERCH ncbi.nlm.nih.gov nhs.uk niams.nhs.gov perioimplant.com thecrunchymoose.com GHERGICH&Co.