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Get healthy Tri-State: Tooth care is major health issue in state
HUNTINGTON -- Oral health care is a big issue in West Virginia, especially considering statistics such as 42.9 percent of the state's population 65 and older have lost all of their teeth, according to 2004 data.
Nearly 70 percent of the state's 65 and older population has lost six or more teeth, according to the data from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System.
The CDC has several tips for maintaining good oral health, including:
- Drink fluoridated water and use a fluoride toothpaste.
- Take care of teeth and gums by thoroughly tooth brushing and flossing.
- Avoid tobacco.
- Limit alcohol.
- Eat wisely. Adults should avoid snacks full of sugars and starches.
- Visit the dentist regularly.
- Diabetic patients should work to maintain control of their disease. This will help prevent the complications of diabetes, including an increased risk of gum disease.
- If medications produce a dry mouth, ask doctor if any other drugs can be substituted. If dry mouth cannot be avoided, drink plenty of water, chew sugarless gum and avoid tobacco and alcohol.
- Have an oral health check-up before beginning cancer treatment. Radiation to the head or neck and/or chemotherapy may cause problems for teeth and gums. Treating existing oral health problems before cancer therapy may help prevent or limit oral complications or tissue damage.
