Dear Eric: As a retired dental hygienist, I feel the need to add some critical information for the 74-year-old who wants to refuse dental treatment and feels railroaded into making appointments ("Dental Dilemma").
What this individual needs is for the provider to explain and show them what is happening in their mouth. These days we have digital X-rays and intraoral cameras. Dental personnel can use these tools to magnify on the computer screen the problem areas so they can be pointed out to a layperson.
Many older people take multiple medications that have dry mouth as a side effect. Saliva is a natural cleansing agent and helps to keep the bad bacteria away. Add dry mouth to poor tooth brushing and flossing due to a loss of dexterity as we age, and one could wind up with a mouthful of decay, as well as periodontal disease.
Perhaps Dental Dilemma could get a second opinion from another dentist if they're not comfortable asking for better explanations. Just like cancer left untreated grows, small dental issues have a way of becoming big dental issues.
- Veteran Hygienist
Dear Hygienist: Thank you for this perspective. I agree - dental health is extremely important, and the letter writer should also strongly consider seeking another opinion or getting a more in-depth explanation of the problems that the first dentist is concerned about. It can often be hard to advocate for oneself in medical settings, but taking the time to ask questions until one understands will help patient and provider.