Dietary Advice

Adults and Older people
Loss of natural teeth is associated with poor nutritional status in the elderly. Consumption of sugars seems to be higher in older adults than in younger adults.

A tendency towards reduced salivary flow together with a higher sugar intake and increased gum recession, places the older person with natural teeth at greater risk of dental caries (root caries) than younger adults.

This population group tend to be frequent users of over the counter medicines, e.g. cough drops, laxatives, antacids and various tonics, which are generally high in sugar. The most important cause of dental erosion in adults is regurgitation and acidic drinks. Dietary advice for dental health for adults with natural teeth should be consistent with general health dietary guidelines.

Practical tips:
Foods

  • Elderly people should be encouraged to eat a variety of healthy foods as snacks from the food pyramid.

Drinks

  • The consumption of 8-10 cups of fluid a day is important for this age group.

Read more information on the dental care of older person.

Source: Dental Health Foundation Ireland

 

 

Smoking and Dental Health

Your Mouth – The Effects of Smoking

  • Smoking causes bad breath
  • Smoking causes a bad taste in the mouth
  • Smoking causes tartar on teeth
  • Smoking is associated with gum diseaseSmoking stains the teeth, tongue and dentures
  • Smoking causes mouth cancer … even a few a day puts you at risk

IF YOU ARE A SMOKER WHO DRINKS ALCOHOL … THE CHANCE OF MOUTH CANCER IS MUCH GREATER.

Did you Know That

  • Mouthwashes and smokers’ toothpastes may be effective in removing stains and making your mouth feel fresher but they cannot treat any underlying damage caused by smoking.
  • Dentists are very aware of the risks to health from smoking. In fact, 6 out of 7 Irish Dentists don’t smoke.


Your Mouth – The Benefits of Not Smoking

  • Your teeth will look cleaner
  • Your breath will be fresher
  • Your food will taste better
  • Your risk of mouth cancer drops dramatically
  • Your general health will also improve


The benefits of stopping smoking begin immediately. Stopping smoking decreases the risk of:

  • Lung Cancer and other Cancers
  • Heart Disease
  • Stroke
  • Bronchitis and Emphysema

Additional Benefits:

  • Women who stop smoking before pregnancy or during the first 3-4 months of pregnancy, reduce the risk of having a low birthweight baby.
  • Ex-Smokers live longer than continuing smokers.
  • You will be free of the pollution of tar, carbon monoxide and other poisons.
  • You will be free from the dependence on Nicotine and feel in control of your life.
  • You will be free from smokers’ cough.
  • Breathing will improve very quickly and you will experience a sense of well being.


Extra Support and Information is available from

  • Your Family Doctor is a good source of information and advice on giving up smoking.
  • Your local Health Centre may be running a support group for people stopping smoking. Ring them and ask.
  • Your local Pharmacist will advise you on a range of products which may help you in stopping smoking.
  • The National Smoker’s Quitline – Phone: 1850 201 203.