Seniors Making Improvements in Dental Health

It appears that seniors are faring better than ever when it comes to their dental health, according to the American Dental Association (ADA). Approximately 75 percent of seniors over age 65 have kept some or all of their teeth – a record. The ADA attributes that good news to better preventive measures like community water fluoridation and daily brushing with fluoride toothpaste.

The dental association also points out that advances in dental care have allowed dentists to save teeth that would have been lost in the past. Maintaining a healthy mouth is a life-long goal, even for those who wear dentures, as it helps to prevent other health problems.

Bacteria that lingers in the mouth can cause tooth decay, gum disease and tooth loss, notes the ADA. The organization offers these tips for older adults:

• Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, plus floss teeth once a day. 
• If arthritis or dexterity is an issue, an electric toothbrush may be helpful. 
• Clean dentures and gums daily; always remove dentures at night.
•  Eat a healthy diet.
• Schedule and keep regular dental visits. 
• Talk to the dentist about the signs and symptoms of dry mouth, which can be caused by medications, and may lead to tooth decay.  
• Ask your dentist for written instructions about any specific at-home care routine that’s recommended for easy reference at home.  
• Look for dental products with the ADA Seal of Acceptance. When you see the ADA Seal on a package, you can be sure the product inside has been scientifically evaluated to be safe and effective.

For more information about dental health for adults over age 60, visit

MouthHealthy.org.

Winter Weather Terms

Knowing winter weather conditions can prepare you avoid potentially dangerous situations. Do you know these cold weather terms? 

• Winter Weather Advisory – a mixture of precipitation, such as snow, sleet, and freezing rain or drizzle is expected

• Snow Alerts

• Advisory – over 2 inches but not more than 6 inches expected heavy snow 
• Warning – 6 inches or more in 12 hours or less or 8 inches or more in 24 hours or less

• Winter Storm

• Watch – conditions favorable for development of hazardous weather elements, such as heavy snow and/or blizzard conditions or significant freezing rain or sleet.

•  Warning – heavy snow and some windiness are very likely, perhaps in  combination with sleet and/or freezing rain

• Blizzard Warning –winter storms with sustained winds or frequent gusts to 35 mph or greater, considerable snow, with less than ¼ mile visibility. 

• Ice Storm Warning – damaging accumulations expected during freezing rain conditions, accumulations are usually ¼ inch or greater

•   Wind Chill Alerts

•  Advisory – wind chills will be -35 degrees or colder for a sustained period of time, and winds are expected to be at least 10 mph

•  Warning – Wind chills are expected to reach -50 degrees, and wind speeds are 10 mph or greater.

Avoiding Winter Slips and Falls

In the winter, walking requires special attention to avoid slipping and falling.  We often forget how dangerous slipping and falling can be.  No matter how well the snow and ice is removed from streets and sidewalks, you will encounter some slippery surfaces when walking outdoors in the winter.  It is important to be continually aware of the dangers and to walk safely on ice and slippery surfaces.

 

To avoid winter slips and falls, try following these safety tips:

•  Plan ahead – give yourself sufficient time and plan your route
• Wear shoes or boots that provide traction on snow and ice. Avoid plastic and leather soles – try rubber and neoprene composites instead
• Use special care when entering and exiting vehicles – use the vehicle for support
• Walk in designated walkways as much as possible – taking shortcuts over snow piles and areas where snow and ice removal is not feasible can be hazardous.  Look ahead when you walk. A sidewalk completely covered with ice may require travel along its grassy edge for traction.

• When given no choice but to walk on ice:

o   Take short steps or shuffle for stability

o   Bend slightly, walk flat-footed with your center of gravity directly over the feet as much as possible

o   Be prepared to fall

o   If you fall, fall with sequential contacts at your thigh, hip, and shoulder to avoid using your arms to protect against breakage

o   Bend your back and head forward so you won’t slam your head on the pavement as your feet shoot out from under you.

• When entering buildings, remove snow and water from footwear to prevent creating wet slippery conditions.

Proper Footwear is Key

• Rubber soled shoes or boots are less likely to slip on icy surfaces than leather soled shoes or high heels 
• Worn out soles increase the hazard of slips.  Wear footwear with maximum traction
• Carry your dress shoes – wear your boots! Think safety BEFORE fashion.
• Watch your footing when getting out of your vehicle.  Walk slowly and defensively.
• Consider storing rock salt or cat litter inside your car in case you need to sprinkle an icy area to increase traction as you walk towards a dry area