Department of Health is featuring its annual Dental Health Week.

As senior citizens are very special people, we have decided this year to focus on our seniors. Our aim is to help seniors become more aware of the importance of good Dental health and Nutrition, bearing in mind that now-a-days people are living longer and healthier lives, caring for their teeth, dentures and mouth in general is an important part of their daily routine.

Good home procedures can contribute to better health, good appearance, speech and generally help one feel better about themselves. Visiting the dentist regularly can not only make one feel and look better, but can save money in the long run. You can have something to smile about if daily home care procedures are taken.

It is a known fact that seniors have a very high prevalence of oral health problems, but they believe that the problems are few or they believe that the dental problems are unimportant, or they just feel that nothing can be done for the existing problems, many believe that the problems are a normal part of growing older.

Some of the common dental problems among seniors with natural teeth are: 1: Root cavities.

2: Gum disease.

3: Saliva problems resulting in dry mouths and more cavities and gum problems.

Seniors without natural teeth have problems such as: 1: Broken or poorly filled dentures.

2: Sores on the gums.

3: Oral fungal infection.

4: Saliva problems.

These problems may cause different consequences that will effect the day to day functioning of seniors such as infection, pain and poor eating habits.

Seniors! be aware that dental problems can be serious, they can be prevented and can be treated. Visit your dentist every one to two years, take good are of your teeth or dentures daily.

If you have your natural teeth brush with fluoride toothpaste daily, floss if possible.

If you wear dentures -- remove them each night. Clean your dentures, gums and tongue daily.

Remember -- dental disease doesn't retire at 65, don't retire your toothbrush.

Smile on seniors, smile on. Mrs. Brenda Harris-Scott Dental Hygienist Department of Health HEALTH HTH