Gum disease causes and prevention for the over 65 age group in Moonee Ponds Victoria

Gum disease prevention is an important focus at our offices in Moonee Ponds, Victoria and Sunbury, Victoria. Individuals over the age of 65 are statistically more likely to develop gum disease, tooth decay, and other dental problems. Problems often result from the cumulative effects of poor hygiene in youth, untreated disease and years of plaque build-up. Additionally, dental health can suffer as a side-effect of other conditions.
 
Any of the following will put an elderly person at high risk for dental problems:

Gum disease causes and prevention for the over 65 age group in Moonee Ponds Victoria
  1. Medication side effects – Many prescription drugs cause dry mouth, which leaves you more susceptible to infection and tooth decay.
  2. Hormonal imbalance – Menopausal women are at risk for desquamative gingivitis, which is a form of gum disease associated with changes in hormones.
  3. Tobacco and alcohol – Any kind of substance abuse can take a toll on the immune system, and increase the risk of gum disease.
  4. Systemic disease – Rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer and other systemic health conditions have been linked to periodontal infection.
  5. Nutritional deficiencies – Reduced appetite, difficulty preparing meals, digestive problems and other factors contribute to poor nutrition. Vitamins, antioxidants, and a well-balanced diet are important to oral health.
  6. Declining mental or physical health – Oral and overall health are intimately linked, so poor health tends to increase dental problems in general. Additionally, oral hygiene habits often decline with age for reasons such as decreased mobility and memory problems.

Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, healthy eating and increased water consumption can help combat the risks. Regular dental care, customised to your needs, is essential for keeping oral health issues under control.
 
Visit Smile in Style for professional teeth cleaning, preventive care, oral hygiene guidance and natural oral hygiene products. Call our Moonee Ponds office at 03 8400 4104 or our Sunbury office at 03 8001 6021 or book online at www.smileinstyle.com.au
 
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Throughout our site, you will find valuable information about our services that will help you get to know us better. It is our mission to create beautiful white healthy smiles using the latest technologies. Our experienced Dentists and staff aim for lifelong relationships with our patients, providing relevant dental education and continual care throughout life. Here, you can learn more about the various dental conditions that may develop and the ways in which we treat them.
Some of the services you can expect to find at Smile in Style include: Our goal is to work together with you to achieve your healthiest, most attractive smile, whilst ensuring your comfort and satisfaction.

Safe Amalgam Removal Protocol

  • Chlorella drink prior is given prior to treatment and a mouth rinse post-treatment. Chlorella can help bind and prevent mercury absorption.
  • Physical protective barriers - Masks, protective coverings, eyewear, in-mouth non-latex dental dams, and other steps are taken to prevent physical contact with mercury for the patient and staff.
  • Oral evacuation - Generous amounts of water are used to continuously rinse particulate matter from the mouth while suctioning it away. Combined with protective dental dams, this prevents patients from swallowing dental amalgam particles during treatment. Additionally, the rinsing helps lower the temperature of the filling, reducing the amount of mercury vapour released.
  • External air - A continuous supply of non-contaminated air or oxygen is delivered via a mask or similar apparatus, preventing inhalation of mercury vapour or particles.
  • "Chunk it out" method - Rather than using a drill to grind the filling down, it is carefully removed in the largest possible pieces, minimising friction, vaporisation.
  • High Volume Evacuation Suction is used by the dental assistant to remove amalgam particles in the mouth.
  • High Volume Air suction and Air Purifiers are used in the clinical room that is able to remove mercury vapour from the room.
  • Amalgam separator use - This device collects mercury-contaminated waste before it can enter the sewage system, allowing us to dispose of it safely.