DEAR DR. GOTT: In my work with seniors, I have noted that many are negligent of oral hygiene. Because of a loss of the sense of smell, some will deny the necessity of removing the denture plate to cleanse the gums. I have encountered several elderly folks who believe a swish of water in the morning will remove residue left on and under the full or partial plate. Halitosis is very offensive and very difficult to address. I am concerned about the social aspect, also. My understanding and instruction about bacteria and halitosis caused by these factors is going unheard. Could you please expound on this problem. I know they will listen to you!
Thank you for not using my name. I am a nurse in a retirement home and do not wish to offend the residents. My 82-year-old mother also has this problem.
DEAR READER: I'm not sure patients in nursing homes listen to me or anyone else! But you are correct: Poor dental hygiene is a chronic problem in this population.
I don't have any magical fix for this situation, except to say that elderly patients should remove their dentures for cleaning at least once a day. After all, we expect them to shower regularly, clean themselves after defecating and change clothes appropriately. Why not include the dental cleansing as a routine expectation? They could easily dump the china choppers into a cleaning solution, such as peroxide, as part of their morning (or evening) activities. Even just a rinsing under the hot-water faucet would work wonders. In training the elderly residents, nurses should insist on 100 percent cooperation. I'll bet that within a few days, the dental policy will be accepted and the staff will not have to cope with severe halitosis.
DEAR DR. GOTT: I am a slim 78-year-old female. I can't seem to regulate body heat, and it's been going on for months. Sometimes I feel as if I'm burning up. Twice this past week, I've been in social situations in which I feel so hot I can hardly stand it. I've asked others if they thought the room was hot. They said yes, but they had on heavier clothing than mine (some wore jackets) and didn't seem desperate as was I. I had on a lightweight summer shirt and cotton skirt. I also get hot when I am under stress (making a phone call or reading the paper). I get so hot reading under a lamp that I end up pulling off my outer clothing. I have air conditioning but have to walk around the condo with as little on as possible. I don't know if this burning-up feeling is related to an ailment; if it is, I've never heard of it.
DEAR READER: Although your "thermostat" may be overly sensitive, I recommend that you have an examination by your family doctor and blood testing to check your thyroid levels.
If you weighed 325 pounds, I would attribute your heat intolerance to obesity. However, you are slim, maybe jittery at times and have a rapid pulse. Hyperthyroidism is your problem until proven otherwise.
Appropriate blood tests should confirm my impression that your thyroid gland is to blame.
Thank you for not using my name. I am a nurse in a retirement home and do not wish to offend the residents. My 82-year-old mother also has this problem.
DEAR READER: I'm not sure patients in nursing homes listen to me or anyone else! But you are correct: Poor dental hygiene is a chronic problem in this population.
I don't have any magical fix for this situation, except to say that elderly patients should remove their dentures for cleaning at least once a day. After all, we expect them to shower regularly, clean themselves after defecating and change clothes appropriately. Why not include the dental cleansing as a routine expectation? They could easily dump the china choppers into a cleaning solution, such as peroxide, as part of their morning (or evening) activities. Even just a rinsing under the hot-water faucet would work wonders. In training the elderly residents, nurses should insist on 100 percent cooperation. I'll bet that within a few days, the dental policy will be accepted and the staff will not have to cope with severe halitosis.
DEAR DR. GOTT: I am a slim 78-year-old female. I can't seem to regulate body heat, and it's been going on for months. Sometimes I feel as if I'm burning up. Twice this past week, I've been in social situations in which I feel so hot I can hardly stand it. I've asked others if they thought the room was hot. They said yes, but they had on heavier clothing than mine (some wore jackets) and didn't seem desperate as was I. I had on a lightweight summer shirt and cotton skirt. I also get hot when I am under stress (making a phone call or reading the paper). I get so hot reading under a lamp that I end up pulling off my outer clothing. I have air conditioning but have to walk around the condo with as little on as possible. I don't know if this burning-up feeling is related to an ailment; if it is, I've never heard of it.
DEAR READER: Although your "thermostat" may be overly sensitive, I recommend that you have an examination by your family doctor and blood testing to check your thyroid levels.
If you weighed 325 pounds, I would attribute your heat intolerance to obesity. However, you are slim, maybe jittery at times and have a rapid pulse. Hyperthyroidism is your problem until proven otherwise.
Appropriate blood tests should confirm my impression that your thyroid gland is to blame.