AS WE AGE, ORAL HEALTH PLAYS INCREASING ROLE IN OVERALL HEALTH Oral health is a critical component to overall health for all ages, but according to an new report, vigilance is especially critical for the elderly. In a review article recently published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, the authors outline the potential complications that can arise form poor oral hygiene in older adults. Data from the National Center for Health Statistics indicates that the prevalence of cavities is more than twice as high in older adults than younger adults. The prevalence of periodontitis-a serious gum infection that damages the soft tissue and destroys the bone that supports your teeth-also increases with age. As many as 64% of older adults in the U.S. have periodontitis. Periodontitis is associated with a variety of medical conditions including cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Patients with replacement heart valves and prosthetic joints should be particularly careful regarding their oral hygiene, according to the authors. It is well recognized that manipulation of teeth and their support structures can result in bacteria present in the oral cavity being released into the bloodstream, which may lead to infections in parts of the body far removed from the oral cavity. Without good oral hygiene, the use of fluoride, and regular dental care, older adults are more prone to damage to the oral cavity and the extension of infection into surrounding tissues. Tooth loss, for instance, can affect a person's ability to chew, which can lead to malnutrition. Chronic oral infection is a recognized risk factor for heart disease, and can also lead to the spread of infection to artificial joints and endocardial implants. Presented as a service to the community by Dr. Barbara Webster 1121 Warren Ave., Suite 130, Downers Grove, IL 60515 630-663-0554 SM-CL1764319 AS WE AGE, ORAL HEALTH PLAYS INCREASING ROLE IN OVERALL HEALTH Oral health is a critical component to overall health for all ages, but according to an new report, vigilance is especially critical for the elderly. In a review article recently published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, the authors outline the potential complications that can arise form poor oral hygiene in older adults. Data from the National Center for Health Statistics indicates that the prevalence of cavities is more than twice as high in older adults than younger adults. The prevalence of periodontitis-a serious gum infection that damages the soft tissue and destroys the bone that supports your teeth-also increases with age. As many as 64% of older adults in the U.S. have periodontitis. Periodontitis is associated with a variety of medical conditions including cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Patients with replacement heart valves and prosthetic joints should be particularly careful regarding their oral hygiene, according to the authors. It is well recognized that manipulation of teeth and their support structures can result in bacteria present in the oral cavity being released into the bloodstream, which may lead to infections in parts of the body far removed from the oral cavity. Without good oral hygiene, the use of fluoride, and regular dental care, older adults are more prone to damage to the oral cavity and the extension of infection into surrounding tissues. Tooth loss, for instance, can affect a person's ability to chew, which can lead to malnutrition. Chronic oral infection is a recognized risk factor for heart disease, and can also lead to the spread of infection to artificial joints and endocardial implants. Presented as a service to the community by Dr. Barbara Webster 1121 Warren Ave., Suite 130, Downers Grove, IL 60515 630-663-0554 SM-CL1764319