-------- Original Message --------
Subject: [Fwd: PARKINSON PAPER article]Subject:
PARKINSON PAPER article
Date:
Sun, 16 Jan 2000 14:53:10 -0500
From:
KEN CLEMENTS <[log in to unmask]>
Organization:
@Home Network Member
To:
[log in to unmask]
Dear PIEN participants:-
Over the last couple of weeks there have been messsges on the subject of
dental care and the need to take special measures in order to retain
good dental hygiene. Websites were noted on the subject of Dry Mouth,
etc.
I have taken this information and put together the checklist below which
covers 10 items and will form the basis of an article in the next
edition of the PARKINSON PAPER, a quarterly publication of the
Parkinson's Society of Ottawa-Carleton in Canada's capital city.
I thought it might be useful to the PIEN group as well. I would also
like to have any suggested additions or deletions before it goes to
print.
Cheers, < [log in to unmask] >
HOW TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR TEETH
Persons with Parkinson's (PWP) are prone to developing tooth decay as a
result of the dry mouth symptom, and difficulties in manipulating dental
tools. The following are a few helpful hints to retain good dental
health:-
1. Establish a good relationship with a dentist and make regular visits.
- it is suggested that scaling and removal of plaque be performed at
least once every four months
- ask your dentist about new methods of preventing tooth decay such as
the use of sealants and/or fluoride treatments
2. Brush your teeth after each meal.
- lengthen or thicken your tooth brush handle in order to improve the
grip
- a brush with soft bristles is less likely to injure gum tissues
than one with hard bristles
- store your brush uncovered in a dry place so that it can dry out
between brushings
- position the head of the toothbrush against your teeth, with the tips
of the bristles angled against the gum line at a 45-degree angle and
use a gentle, circular scrubbing motion
- replace your toothbrush as soon ss the bristles become splayed ,
or at least every two to three months
3. Consider the use of an electric toothbrush.
- an electric toothbrush is not more effective at removing plaque than a
manual toothbrush but for a PWP it is often easier to manipulate
4. Floss your teeth at least once a day.
- floss should be used as an adjunct to tooth brushing to remove
plaque and food particles from gaps between teeth and around gums
- do not use the same length of floss twice
- holding the floss tightly against the tooth, move it up and down away
and toward the gum
- if necessary use the assistance of a caregiver
5. Rinse your mouth with a good antiseptic mouthwash.
- the CEPACOL brand , which contains fluoride, is recommended by the
CANADIAN DENTAL ASSOCIATION
- it is recommended a rinse be made at least once a day, preferably
before you go to bed after flossing which will work in the fluoride
between the teeth
6. Use wooden interspace sticks.
- wooden sticks are easier to use than floss by a PWP
- for persons with tightly spaced teeth, wooden sticks are an
invaluable complement to dental floss
- the brand STIM-U-DENT by Johnson & Johnson is available at most
drugstores
7. Prevent decay through good nutrition.
-
-follow a good diet such as outlined in Canada's Food Guide
- avoid foods made with refined sugars, such s sweets and white bread
- limit to mealtimes the intake of sweet, sticky foods, such s dried
fruits,which stick on the teeth; or brush shortly after eating
- foods such as raw apples and popcorn help clean the teeth
8. Treat tooth decay as soon as possible after detection.
- have your dentist take x-rays at least once a year
- note and report to your dentist any cases of insensitivity to hot or
cold foods
9. Keep your mouth wet.
- sip water or sugarless drinks often
- avoid drinks with caffeine, such as coffee, tea, and some soft drinks
- chew sugarless gum or suck on sugarless hard candy
- use a humidifier at night
- try an oral rinse, which can act as a saliva substitute. These rinses
can be obtained from a pharmacist
- a recent study found out that an oral drug called PILOCARPINE improves
saliva production
10. Clean dentures at least once a day.
- clean with a nailbrush attached to a sink with suction cups. These can
be purchased and allow denture cleaning with one hand
Date: Sun, 16 Jan 2000 15:03:47 -0500
From: KEN CLEMENTS <[log in to unmask]>
Organization: @Home Network Member
