Baby Boomers U. S. (The Blog) |
| Babyboomers and Oral Health: The good and the bad Posted: 24 Jul 2012 03:50 AM PDT
The real BBUS post can be found here… Babyboomers and Oral Health: The good and the bad by Joe Hauckes © Baby Boomers U. S. (The Blog) . Not on Senior Zen! This is a Guest Post by Shoshana Davis. If you would like to Guest Post for Baby Boomers US, check out our Guest Post for Us page. How many people do you know with false teeth? It's definitely not as many as your parent's generation. In fact, babyboomers are very lucky. They are the first of their age range to have been treated and benefited by modern dental care, such as fluoride, throughout their entire lifespan. With stronger and healthier teeth, there is less of a need for dentures, but that also means that there are new issues coming into play for older Americans, and it's crucial that people pay attention to them. Teeth are supposed to last forever, but with the abuse they take day to day, it's important to take care of them. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), severe gum disease affects about 14 percent of adults aged 45 to 54 years, and the percentage goes up as the people age. Here are some ways to prevent oral health issues: Visit the dentist: It might seem like common sense, but most babyboomers see the dentist less often than their younger family members. Not only does having your teeth cleaned prevent cavities, but your dentist has the ability and vast amount of tools to dig deep around your teeth in places that you might miss. This will keep your gums healthy, which is the biggest worry as people get older. They can also apply sealants, which operate exactly how it sounds, in that it provides protection and seal over the tooth, preventing cavities. If your doctor does happen to find a cavity or a troubled area, they are able to take care of it right away without the situation manifesting itself into a larger issue. Watch what you eat: It's not just our waistlines that we should be worried about. Many foods have a negative effect on our teeth, causing unwanted staining, and even worse, cavities. However, there are also tons of good-for-you foods that can help your mouth too. Obviously, avoid sugar and starches, which can cause cavities, but even citrus fruits, like lemons and oranges can be really rough on the enamel of your teeth. Surprisingly, tomatoes also have a similar effect on your pearly whites. Cheeses and milk actually provide a barrier between your teeth and those tansy acidic foods, and the level of calcium is not only good for your teeth, but all your bones. Pay attention to your medications: Many medications and even aging itself can have a big effect on your mouth. Anything from an antidepressant to a diuretic can cause dry mouth, which is a condition in which your mouth does not produce enough saliva. When this happens, there is a much higher risk to develop cavities and other oral problems. Keep your dentist in the loop on what medications you're on so you can work together to develop a plan. In fact, many people find that all it takes is chewing sugar-free gum to help keep dry mouth at bay. Whiten your teeth: One of the biggest complaints as people age is the color of their teeth. Drinking coffee, soda and wine will stain your teeth, and after years of being dyed, it's time to get them white. It's easy to use an over the counter whitener, such as white strips, or even work with your dentist to do an in office procedure. Brightening up your smile will make you feel cleaner, and help your real smile show. About the Author: Shoshana Davis is a freelancer for Top Dentists, an online cosmetic dental care resource for dentists and patients nationwide. If you are reading this on Senior-Zen: It is STOLEN CONTENT from Baby Boomers USYou may also want to join the Baby Boomers US Forum for conversations by Baby Boomers about topics important to Baby Boomers!
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| Monday Musings for Baby Boomers – ‘The Sith Who Stole Christmas’ Posted: 23 Jul 2012 04:08 AM PDT
The real BBUS post can be found here… Monday Musings for Baby Boomers – ‘The Sith Who Stole Christmas’ by Joe Hauckes © Baby Boomers U. S. (The Blog) . Not on Senior Zen!  Smile! Monday has always been a little bit of a let down, what with it being the beginning of the work week and all. So to start things out on a bright note for the week, I bring you the… Baby Boomers Monday Musings.Being the geeky old fogie I am, and since it is almost Christmas in July, I thought I would share some scenes from Star Wars set to The Grinch Who Stole Christmas tunes. I think you will enjoy this short video. If you are reading this on Senior-Zen: It is STOLEN CONTENT from Baby Boomers USYou may also want to join the Baby Boomers US Forum for conversations by Baby Boomers about topics important to Baby Boomers!
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