Wortzel Integrative Dental Care Teach Senior Citezens about Dental Health needs

Wortzel Integrative Dental Care recently teamed up with the Union County Senior Citizen Counsel. "Senior Citizens often are an age group whose dental needs are not given enough attention. Xerostomia (Dry mouth) and periodontal disease (gum disease) are the two main diseases that lead to loss of teeth," said Dr. Robert Wortzel.

Recently the dental team participated in the annual Senior Citizen Health Fair for Union County at L' Affaire in Mountainside where over 300 seniors were able to gather information on important health topics. Dr. Lisa Wortzel and Dr. Mumta Hathiramani educated the members about the importance of routine dental care and oral cancer screenings for all interested seniors. Additionally, both doctors provided oral cancer screenings for all who were interested. "We were thrilled by the enthusiasm of all the seniors we spoke with. We are so happy to be a part of dental team that takes a proactive approach to oral health care especially for a growing population with unique dental needs," said Dr. Lisa Wortzel and Dr. Mumta Hathiramani.

Please read below for important information about Oral Cancer and Dry Mouth that was provided at the health fair.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT HAVING DRY MOUTH:

Dry mouth can be caused by increase in age, smoking, multiple medication use (especially blood pressure and depression medication).

There are many problems caused by dry mouth syndrome such as:

  • Irritation of the soft tissue in the mouth which leads to sores and infection
  • Tooth decay and gum disease
  • Increased rate of cavities and bad breath

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT ORAL CANCER

  • Each year in the US, 40,000 new cases of mouth and throat cancer are diagnosed and HALF of those patients die within 5 years
  • Risk factors
    • Tobacco use
    • Excessive alcohol consumption
    • Use of betel nut and bedis
    • Excessive unprotected exposure to sun
    • Low intake of fruits and vegetables
    • HPV 16 viral infection
    • Increase in age
    • Race and ethnicity
    • Recurrence
    • Gender (higher chance in males)
  • Early Indicators
    • Red and/or white discolorations of soft tissue in mouth
    • Any sore that does not heal within 14 days
    • Hoarseness that lasts for prolonged period of time
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