Dear Eric: As a retired dental hygienist, I feel the need to add some crucial information for the 74 year old who wants to refuse dental treatment and feels obligated to make an appointment (“Dental Dilemma”).

What this person needs is for the provider to explain and show them what is happening in their mouth. Nowadays we have digital x-rays and intraoral cameras. Dental staff can use these tools to magnify problem areas on the computer screen so that they can be pointed out to a layperson.

Many older adults take multiple medications that have the side effect of dry mouth. Saliva is a natural cleaning agent and helps keep bad bacteria away. Add to that a dry mouth, poor tooth brushing and flossing due to a loss of dexterity as we age, and you could end up with a mouthful of cavities, as well as disease periodontal.

Perhaps Dental Dilemma could get a second opinion from another dentist if they are not comfortable asking for better explanations. Just as untreated cancer grows, small dental problems tend to become big dental problems.

– Veteran hygienist

Dear Hygienist: Thank you for this perspective. I agree – dental health is extremely important, and the letter writer should also seriously consider seeking another opinion or getting a more in-depth explanation of the issues the first dentist was concerned about. It can often be difficult to advocate for yourself in a medical setting, but taking the time to ask questions until you understand will help both the patient and the provider.

Send questions to R. Eric Thomas at [email protected] or PO Box 22474, Philadelphia, PA 19110. Follow him on Instagram and sign up for his weekly newsletter at rericthomas.com.

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