Denture Care
Gum Infections
Dentures should fit well to help maintain oral health. Remember to rinse dentures after each meal, and clean them daily with a soft brush and mild soap. Don’t use toothpaste, as this will wear the dentures away. Dentures should be removed at night and left to soak in cold water while not in the mouth. If the dentures are developing a stain, add a small amount of vinegar or dilute bleach to the water.
If your gums are healthy, they will be pink, firm and won’t bleed when brushed. Infected gums may bleed when brushed, or may swell or redden. Receding gums, loose teeth and bad breath are also symptoms of gum infection. Causes: Infections of the gums are usually caused by plaque on the teeth (see Tooth Decay, above) Using interferon (a treatment for hepatitis C) or smoking can lower your resistance to gum disease
Ph 1300 437 222 or (08) 8362 8443 Fax (08) 8362 8559 3 Hackney Rd Hackney SA 5069 PO Box 782 Kent Town SA 5071 www.hepsa.asn.au
Warning: People with cirrhosis or blood/ bleeding disorders, or who are taking interferon, should talk to a dentist about any special precautions which may be needed. Last update: September 2012 SA Health has contributed funds towards this Program.
Cartoon © The Divine Harvester
Cartoon © r8r
Hepatitis SA
Care: Maintain good oral hygiene by using a soft toothbrush and a fluoride toothpaste, holding the brush at 45° to the gum line and moving the brush in small circles Use dental floss on the gaps between teeth and on the surfaces of teeth Use an antibacterial mouthwash, preferably alcohol-free (like PerioGard) Reduce or quit smoking Make regular dental hygienist visits
C Hepatitis C & Dental Care
One of the major problem areas for people who are living with hepatitis C is the mouth. Sensitive or decaying teeth, infected gums, dry mouth or mouth ulcers: all of these are potential health concerns.
Sensitive Teeth Teeth are covered with a protective layer of enamel. This may thin or wear away, or the normally protected surface of the tooth’s root can be exposed in some other way. If this happens, then you may experience a sharp pain when having hot, cold or sweet food and drinks. Causes: Frequent consumption of corrosive foods, such as lemons, grapefruit, wine, vinegar or fizzy soft drinks Poor brushing of teeth Grinding teeth, usually while asleep Frequent vomiting or gastric reflux, which fills the mouth with stomach acid Care: You can buy and apply a desensitising toothpaste or fluoride gel from a chemist. This can be applied with a finger or toothbrush. If the sensitive area does not improve, or is severe, it’s best to talk to a dentist. If you grind your teeth, a dentist may be able to supply a splint which is worn during sleep, to protect the teeth.
Decaying Teeth
Dry Mouth
Causes: Poor tooth brushing or flossing, which fails to remove plaque Lack of fluoride Reduced levels of saliva (see the information on Dry Mouth, below) Consumption of a high level of carbohydrates.
Saliva (spit) is a lubricant your mouth produces to assist with speech, taste, chewing food, and preventing oral diseases. This means that a lack of saliva can inhibit all of these things. This may also lead to mouth ulcers or thrush infections.
Care: Maintain good oral hygiene by using a soft toothbrush and a fluoride toothpaste Chewing sugarless gum will help stimulate the production of saliva, which neutralises acids in the mouth Reduce the amount of sweetened food and drink you consume, and don’t brush immediately after eating something sweet (but you can smear your teeth with a small amount of fluoride toothpaste) Applying a small amount of fluoride gel to the teeth once a day with a finger or toothbrush can harden and protect your teeth. Remember that products heavy in fluoride should not be swallowed, and should be kept out of the reach of children. If you have concerns about fluoride, consult your dentist or GP. Information on both sides of the debate is available on the internet (at www.fluoridedebate.com/ question18.html and www.fluoridedebate. com/question39.html).
Causes: One symptom of hepatitis C can be an unusually dry mouth Some medication, like certain antidepressants or methadone, can also cause a dry mouth as a side-effect Care: Sip water frequently Chewing sugarless gum will help stimulate the production of saliva, which neutralises acids in the mouth Ask a chemist about using a salivary substitute, and see which products they would recommend For ulcers: using chlorhexidine gel, available from a chemist, will reduce discomfort and aid healing. If the ulcer does not heal within a fortnight, please have it checked by a dentist. For thrush: eating natural yoghurt each day will help, but you may also need to take antifungal medication (such as nystatin drops or lozenges). Dentures should be soaked in a dilute Milton’s solution. If the thrush is severe or does not improve, please have it checked by a dentist.