Page 58 - Life_In_Naples_December_2018

Aging and

Your Dental

Health

The Link Between

Medications and Cavities

Get regular dental checkups at least
ou may wonder why you’re suddenly getting
cavities when you haven’t had them in years. As twice a year – please do not wait until
we get older, we enter a second round of cavity
you have pain. Why? As you age,
Y prone years. One common cause of cavities in older
adults is dry mouth. Dry mouth is not a normal part of aging. the nerves inside your teeth become
However, it is a side-effect in more than 500 medications,
including those for allergies or asthma, high blood pressure, smaller and less sensitive. By the time
you feel pain from a cavity, it may be
high cholesterol, pain, anxiety or depression, Parkinson’s
and Alzheimer’s diseases. This is just one reason why it’s so too late and you may lose your tooth.
important to tell your dentist about any medications that
you’re taking. Your dentist can make recommendations to
help relieve your dry mouth symptoms and prevent cavities. When you go to your dentist for a checkup bring the following
Here are some common recommendations:
information:
 Use over-the-counter oral moisturizers, such as a spray or  List of medications, including vitamins, herbal remedies, and
mouthwash. over-the-counter medications
 Consult with your physician on whether to change the  List of medical conditions and allergies
medication or dosage.  Information and phone numbers of all health care providers,
 Drink more water. Carry a water bottle with you, and don’t wait doctors, and your previous dentist
until you’re thirsty to drink. Your mouth needs constant lubrication.  Information about your emergency contacts, someone who
 Use sugar-free gum or lozenges to stimulate saliva production. can help make decisions on your behalf in the case of a
 Get a humidifier to help keep moisture in the air. medical emergency
 Your dentures or partials, even if you don’t wear them.
 Avoid foods and beverages that irritate dry mouths, like coffee,
Brought to you by the ADA American Dental Association.
alcohol, carbonated soft drinks, and acidic fruit juices.
 Your dentist may apply a fluoride gel or varnish to protect your
Dr. Cheryl L. Malick, a Naples resident since 1985, celebrates
teeth from cavities.
15 years of serving our community at Dental Excellence, her state-
Visit a Dentist Regularly or-the-art dental office. Dr. Malick is an honors graduate of the
University of Florida Department of Biomedical Engineering and
Get regular dental checkups at least twice a year – please a research honors graduate from the University of Florida College
do not wait until you have pain. Why? As you age, the nerves of Dentistry. She offers general and cosmetic dentistry services,
inside your teeth become smaller and less sensitive. By the time including veneers, crowns, dentures, partials, implant restorations,
you feel pain from a cavity, it may be too late and you may lose fillings, whitening, dental cleanings, digital impressions and xrays,
your tooth. There are also more serious conditions that your and CariVu caries detection. We are pleased to be serving the Naples
dentist will look for, like oral cancer and gum disease, which do area and look forward to welcoming you to Dental Excellence,
not always cause pain until the advanced stages of the disease. located near the corner of Airport Road North and Vanderbilt Beach
By then, it’s more difficult and costly to treat. Road. Call us today to schedule your complimentary consultation.

58 Life in Naples | December 2018