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The best steps: To prevent swollen, bleeding gums, make sure you’re vigilant about brushing. But remember to go easy: Too much pressure can lead to more gum recession. And floss as advised below. Older adults who floss regularly have a lower risk of gum disease, according to a 2020 study published in the Journal of Dental Research.
“It helps remove bacteria and food that are caught between the teeth that can cause gum inflammation,” says Tomas Ballesteros, DMD, a professor of dentistry at the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine. If a problem such as wrist arthritis makes flossing difficult, try a water flosser, a device that aims a stream of water between your teeth.
For existing gum problems, you might need treatment to prevent tooth loss in addition to good dental hygiene. For mild disease, a dentist will typically perform a deep cleaning called scaling and root planing. This generally takes more than one visit and often requires local anesthesia. More extensive gum disease might require surgery to remove damaged bone and stubborn bacteria.
If Your Mouth Is Always Dry
With age, your mouth produces less saliva, Cram says. This can lead to a condition known as dry mouth, which affects 30 percent of people over the age of 65 and 40 percent of those over 80, according to the ADA—and can raise the risk of cavities and gum disease. Certain medications can worsen the problem as well. Sometimes dry mouth is accompanied by a burning or tingling sensation (called burning mouth syndrome), which may be due to a vitamin B or iron deficiency, according to Cram.
The best steps: The first and easiest thing to do is to stay well hydrated, Hewlett says. “Keep a bottle of water with you all the time, and sip on it frequently to keep your mouth moist and wet and hydrated,” he says. Other drinks with no added sugar, like milk or herbal tea, are also fine, but alcohol and caffeine can dry out your mouth. If needed, the ADA recommends that you suck on ice chips.
Chewing on sugar-free gum or sucking on sugar-free candy that contains xylitol has been found to help ease the condition, Sheridan says. Talk to your doctor if you think your dry mouth may be related to medication, and see if you can switch to another drug. For burning mouth, you may want your primary care provider to check your iron and vitamin B levels, Cram says. If you’re deficient, they may recommend a supplement.
A Smart Dental Routine
You already know it’s important to floss daily and brush your teeth gently with a fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day for 2 minutes at a time.
But which toothbrush is best? While a manual one can do a fine job, you might want to consider an electric toothbrush, says Tomas Ballesteros, DMD. A 2019 study in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology found that using one led to 22 percent less gum recession (a risk factor for gum disease) and 18 percent less tooth decay.
See your dentist regularly. There’s no hard and fast rule; it varies from person to person, but “at the very least it should be once a year,” says Edmond Hewlett, DDS. As you age and dental risk factors increase, it’s likely your dentist will advise a professional cleaning at least twice a year.
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Tips to help keep the pests from hitching a ride home with you
Checking into a hotel for a holiday vacation? Beware of bed bugs. Hotels and motels can be hot spots for infestations of the small reddish-brown insects, which can live happily in a bed and hitch a ride home on luggage and clothing.
We’re Not Loyal to Brands. We’re Loyal to You.
How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs at Home
Quiz: How to Protect Yourself Against Bed Bugs
Bed bugs feed on the blood of people and animals, usually while they sleep. “Bed bugs haven’t been shown to transmit any diseases outside of the lab,” says Zachary DeVries, PhD, an assistant professor of entomology at the University of Kentucky. “That said, they do cause itchy bites that can become infected when scratched. We are also concerned about potential allergens and other contaminants they may be introducing into homes.”
If these bloodsuckers get into your luggage and travel home with you, they can take up residence in your own mattresses, box springs, and furniture, possibly causing an infestation. That’s a holiday gift no one wants.
Here are five steps that will help you avoid a bed bug encounter during your vacation.
Tips for Traveling Without Bed Bugs
- When you first enter a new hotel room, put your luggage on a luggage rack or in the bathroom—an unlikely place for bed bugs to hide—while you inspect the bedding and furniture. “Being aware of your surroundings can go a long way to making sure bed bugs don’t come home with you,” DeVries says.
- Pull back the bed sheets and blankets and check the mattress and box spring seams for bugs, especially at the head of the bed. Adults, nymphs, and eggs are visible to the naked eye. Also keep your eyes peeled for exoskeletons (casings that the bugs leave behind when they molt) and dark, rust-colored spots. You can lift the mattress and check underneath, too, using a flashlight if possible.
- Consider checking upholstered furniture, too. If you see any telltale signs, tell hotel staff and ask for a new room, preferably in another part of the building.
- Stow your suitcases, zipped closed, on a luggage rack or a hard surface for the length of your stay. You can also pack large plastic trash bags and keep your luggage in them during your time in the hotel.
- When you get home, if you have any concerns that you’ve brought home a stray hitchhiker or two, tumble your travel clothes in a hot dryer for up to 30 minutes. (The heat will kill bed bugs, but simply washing the clothes usually won’t.)
Bed Bug Tips
These pests are more common than you think. On the “Save the consumer ”
In a city somewhere, Rose was a college student, juggling her studies and a part-time job. She was excited when she saved enough to buy a sleek laptop that promised to help her excel in her coursework. After researching, she found the perfect model at a local electronics store. With a gleaming credit card in hand, she made her purchase, feeling a rush of pride.
A week later, disaster struck. While studying for an important exam, her laptop suddenly froze, the screen flickering ominously. After several attempts to restart it, Rose was devastated to realise it wouldn’t boot up at all. Panic set in as she envisioned failing her exams without her vital study aid.
Determined to solve the problem, she returned to the store with her receipt and the laptop. At the customer service counter, she encountered a dismissive employee who informed her that the warranty only covered hardware issues and that her laptop likely faced a software problem—one that wouldn’t be covered.
Confused and frustrated, Rose felt a pit in her stomach. She had assumed that if she bought a product new, it would be guaranteed to work properly. “But I just bought it!” she protested. The employee shrugged and suggested she take it to a repair shop, which would cost her an additional N100,000.
Rose left the store feeling defeated but also angry. She couldn’t afford to spend more money, especially on something that should have worked. After a few days of simmering frustration, she decided to educate herself on consumer rights.
She spent hours online researching laws about consumer protections. She discovered that many countries have laws requiring products to be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose, and as described. She learned about her right to a refund, repair, or replacement if the product was faulty.
Armed with this new knowledge, Rose returned to the electronics store. This time, she was ready. Approaching the counter, she calmly explained her situation. When the employee reiterated that it was a software issue, Rose confidently mentioned the consumer protection laws she had learned about, emphasizing her rights as a customer.
The employee, initially taken aback, hesitated. Rose insisted that since the laptop was defective, she was entitled to a replacement or repair at no additional cost. The conversation escalated, and after a brief moment of uncertainty, a manager was called over.
Rose explained her situation to the manager, referencing the specific consumer rights laws she had researched. Recognizing the validity of her claim, the manager offered a replacement laptop right then and there, apologizing for the earlier mishandling.
Rose left the store with a new laptop and a renewed sense of confidence. She realized that taking the time to educate herself had not only helped her resolve the issue but had also empowered her as a consumer.
From that day on, Rose made it her mission to share her experience with friends and classmates. She organized small workshops, encouraging her peers to understand their consumer rights. She shared tips on what to do when products failed and how to advocate for themselves effectively.
Through her journey, Rose learned that knowledge is power, and understanding consumer rights can turn a frustrating experience into an opportunity for empowerment. In the end, not only did she gain a functioning laptop, but she also became an advocate for others, ensuring they wouldn’t face the same challenges without support.
Illustration: Israel G. Vargas
Stents for heart disease. Spinal fusion for back pain. Vena cava filters for blood clots. Vertebroplasty for osteoporosis. A recent report from the Lown Institute, a nonprofit that focuses on improving healthcare, found that during the pandemic year of 2020, adults on Medicare received 106,474 overused or unnecessary surgeries or procedures—and those were near the top of the list.
According to the Lown Institute, overuse, or low-value care, “refers to medical services that offer little to no clinical benefit or are more likely to harm patients than help them.”
“It’s very easy for doctors and patients to go down the path of doing a medical procedure because it seems like, in theory, it would be safer and better, but that’s not always the case,” says Vikas Saini, MD, a cardiologist and president of the institute. “More medical care isn’t necessarily always better, especially for older adults.”
Given this, it may be helpful to know more about overused procedures so that you can have productive conversations if your doctor recommends one. Here’s a spotlight on the four mentioned previously. (For info on others, see the consumer right full report.)
Stents for Heart Disease
What it is: A clogged artery is cleared and then propped open with a tiny stent that’s left in place. This may be the right call after a heart attack or for people with a significant narrowing of the left main coronary artery, says David Maron, MD, director of preventive cardiology at the Stanford University School of Medicine.
When it’s questionable: If you have coronary artery disease (plaque buildup in the walls of arteries that supply blood to the heart) but it’s stable, you’re unlikely to benefit. (Stable means generally no chest pain or shortness of breath, or only with exercise or stress—and it resolves with rest or medication.) A study co-led by Maron found that people with moderate or severe but stable heart disease who took medication for it were no more at risk of a heart attack or death than those who had procedures like stenting.
Note: If you have stable coronary artery disease and notice worsening symptoms—for example, they begin to occur even when you’re at rest—it’s reasonable to talk to your doctor about a stent, Saini says.
Spinal Fusion for Chronic Back Pain
What it is: This surgery permanently connects two or more vertebrae in the spine—using metal plates, rods, or screws—to eliminate the motion between them that can cause pain.
Spinal fusion is appropriate in situations such as a spinal fracture from a car accident, a severe bone infection, or a tumor that causes part of your spine to collapse, says Steven Atlas, MD, MPH, director of The Primary Care Practice-Based Research & Quality Improvement Network at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. But generally, “that’s not when it’s being done,” he says.
When it’s questionable: Surgeons may advise spinal fusion for chronic lower back pain from severe arthritis or age-related wear from spinal disks, Atlas says. But studies suggest that in these circumstances, the procedure is no more effective than nonsurgical approaches such as physical therapy, he notes.
If you have severe chronic back pain and have used measures like PT for six to 12 months without much improvement, however, consider asking your doctor about laminectomy, Atlas says. In that procedure, part or all of the vertebral bone is removed to enlarge the spinal canal and ease pressure on your spinal cord, disks, and nerves.
Vena Cava Filters for Clots
What it is: If you have blood clots in your legs, your doctor may advise that you have surgery to place a small filter in a vein, especially if a clot has travelled up to your lungs in the past. The goal is to prevent clots from making their way to your lungs (known as pulmonary embolism) or brain, where they could cause a stroke. This procedure might be necessary for people who can’t tolerate traditional treatment (oral or injectable blood thinners). “But that’s the exception and not the norm,” says Behnood Bikdeli, MD, MS, a cardiologist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston.
When it’s questionable: There’s no clear evidence that these filters are more effective than blood thinners, Bikdeli says. A review he co-authored, concluded that while the filters do seem to reduce the risk of pulmonary embolisms, they don’t lower clot-related death rates and can hike the chance that more leg blood clots will develop. Yet they’re still often used. A study Bikdeli authored, involving more than half a million people hospitalized for the embolisms, found that about 1 in 6 people ages 65 or older received a vena cava filter.
Vertebroplasty for Osteoporosis
What it is: Osteoporosis heightens the risk of painful compression fractures, a bone break in the vertebrae. One way to treat them is vertebroplasty, where a surgeon injects special cement into the fractured area to support the spine and help to relieve pain. Some research suggests that it may offer benefits in the case of severe compression fractures, such as those significant enough to require opioid drugs to ease discomfort, says Joshua Hirsch, MD, chief of the Interventional Spine Service at Massachusetts General Hospital.
When it’s questionable: In most cases, vertebroplasty is no more effective at relieving compression fracture pain than a placebo, according to a 2018 Cochrane review of multiple studies. It also noted that vertebroplasty has the potential to cause side effects such as spinal cord or nerve root compression, bone infection, and cement leaking into the bloodstream. That’s why, in general, this procedure isn’t recommended for mild to moderate pain that responds to pain relievers like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen, as well as the nasal medicine calcitonin, says Patrick Doherty, MD, associate professor of clinical neurosurgery at the Yale School of Medicine. To prevent future vertebral fractures if you have osteoporosis, he suggests that you get plenty of calcium and vitamin D, avoid smoking, limit alcohol, and, when appropriate, take osteoporosis medication.
Four Questions to Ask Before Any Procedure
If your doctor suggests surgery, you may hesitate to ask many questions. But “every medical procedure or surgery carries risks, especially among older adults,” Saini says. “There’s too much at stake: time, money, and most important, your health—not to voice concerns.” Here are questions he suggests and something to mention.
- If your parent had my condition, would you recommend this procedure?“This forces your physician to take a moment and pause,” Saini says.
- What happens if I wait? If putting surgery off for six months to see if your issue resolves won’t affect the outcome, waiting may be reasonable.
- What could go wrong if I have this procedure?“You want to clearly know what the worst possible outcome could be,” Saini says.
- What alternatives are not quite as good but are still effective in my case?You want to know, for instance, if other appropriate options may be less invasive, cause fewer side effects, or require less healing time.
Also, tell your doctor you plan to get a second opinion. “There are a lot of gray areas in medicine,” Saini says, “and it’s not an exact science. Your physician should welcome other colleagues’ ideas and opinions.”
Every October 16, International World Food Day serves as a crucial reminder of the ongoing global struggle against hunger and food insecurity. In Nigeria, this day highlights the urgent need to promote the right to food as a foundation for a better life and a better future for its citizens.
The Right to Food in Nigeria
The right to food is recognized as a fundamental human right that ensures every individual has access to adequate, safe, and nutritious food. In Nigeria, however, millions face challenges in securing this basic necessity due to factors such as poverty, conflict, and climate change. Ensuring that all Nigerians can exercise their right to food is vital for improving health, promoting education, and fostering economic development.
Food Insecurity and Its Causes
Nigeria grapples with significant food insecurity, exacerbated by various challenges:
- Conflict and Displacement: Ongoing violence in regions such as the Northeast has displaced millions, disrupting food production and access.
- Economic Instability: High inflation and unemployment rates have made food unaffordable for many families, pushing them deeper into poverty.
- Climate Change: Erratic weather patterns, desertification, and flooding have adversely affected agricultural yields, threatening the livelihoods of farmers.
Promoting Sustainable Agriculture
To address these challenges, Nigeria must promote sustainable agricultural practices. Empowering local farmers through training, access to resources, and financial support can help enhance food production. Sustainable agriculture not only improves food security but also protects the environment, ensuring that future generations can thrive.
Education and Awareness
Raising awareness about nutrition and the importance of the right to food is essential. Educational programs can empower communities to make informed choices, reduce food waste, and adopt healthier diets. By fostering a culture of awareness, Nigeria can build a more resilient population equipped to advocate for their rights.
A Call for Policy Change
On this World Food Day, it is crucial for Nigerian policymakers to prioritize food security and the right to food in their agendas. Implementing policies that support smallholder farmers, improve infrastructure, and ensure equitable food distribution can make a significant difference. Collaborating with international organizations and NGOs can also bring additional resources and expertise to tackle food insecurity.
Conclusion
International World Food Day serves as a reminder that the right to food is a key element in the fight against hunger and poverty in Nigeria. By advocating for policies that ensure access to nutritious food, promoting sustainable practices, and raising awareness, we can create a better life and a better future for all Nigerians. Together, let us strive for a nation where every citizen can enjoy their right to food, paving the way for a healthier, more prosperous society.