FOR YOUR HEALTH: Understanding high blood pressure

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High blood pressure (HBP), or hypertension, increases the risk of developing cardiac (heart) disease. It can lead to stroke, heart attack, or heart failure. High blood pressure means high pressure in the arteries that carry blood from the heart to all the tissues and organs of the body. About one in three adults in the U.S., or 73 million people are though to have high blood pressure, but nearly one-third of the people don’t know they have it. High blood pressure is often called the “silent killer” because many times there are no symptoms, or the symptoms are so common that they could indicate another problem rather than hypertension.

Common symptoms that could be a sign of hypertension are: headache, nausea, dizziness, blurred vision, shortness of breath, and kidney failure. A periodic blood pressure screening is necessary to detect this problem as, without it, high blood pressure may remain unnoticed for years or even decades, causing damage in the meantime. Teenagers and children can also have high blood pressure. Estimates are that about 2 million minors are affected by this disease.

Blood pressure levels and what they mean

Normal blood pressure: Below 120/80

Pre-hypertension: Between 120/80 and 139/89

High blood pressure: 140/90 or more

The top number is the systolic blood pressure, or the pressure in the arteries as the heart contracts and pumps the blood forward into the arteries.

The bottom number is the diastolic pressure, or the pressure in the arteries as the heart relaxes after the contraction.

Does high blood pressure lead to other diseases?

High blood pressure is not limited to increasing the risk of heart disease; it can also cause damage to other organs and increase the risk of kidney disease and damage to the eyes and brain. Damage to these organs is often called “end-organ damage” because the damage is the end result of having high blood pressure for a long time.

How can I control my blood pressure?

With proper diagnosis and treatment, high blood pressure can be controlled and some of the complications can be reversed. Diet and lifestyle changes may be needed to control the blood pressure, along with medications. Excessive alcohol or coffee consumption, smoking, a high salt intake, lack of regular exercise and obesity negatively affect hypertension.

REVIEW POTPOURRI – Author: Ladislas Farago

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Ladislas Farago

Peter Catesby Peter Cates

Ladislas Farago

A 1954 book War of Wits, by journalist Ladislas Farago (1906-1980), is an account of intelligence networks during World War II. What gave Farago’s book interest was his own work in South Am­erica and his access to many spies and agents who were eager to tell their stories.

One such incident tells of an elderly German couple who owned an inn along the Kiel Canal which connected the Baltic Sea with the North Sea.

Sailors and officers from Nazi submarines would often drop in for a glass of beer before going on a dangerous mission against the allies which the innkeeper offered free to them as a patriotic gesture. In return, these men would sign their names in a guest book as a memento of their visit.

When the coast was clear, the innkeeper would take the guest book down into the cellar and through a tunnel to a neighboring house where British agents had radio transmitters to relay information on these U boats from the names in the register.

On a different topic yet having some relevance to the hospitality industry of inns along German canals, Ten Restaurants that Changed America, a 2016 book by Paul Freedman, chose the hotel/restaurant chain of Howard Johnson’s as one of the ten topics and mentions one item dear to the appetites of so many Mainers – “The fried clams…were originally quite unusual…not an easy sell at first…Virtually unknown outside of New England…promoted…at the 1939-1940 New York World’s Fair. It took a further concerted campaign to win acceptance – this was not a case of simply providing what people already were accustomed to consuming. The fact that the class would become a fondly regarded signature item of Howard Johnson’s was an accomplishment, not an accident.”

Scandal

I recently finished binging on all seven seasons of the ABC television series Scandal, which ran from 2012 to 2018. The most memorable character was Eli Pope, who, under the code name of Rowan, ran an off the books black ops agency known as Control.

Rio Bravo

A 1959 classic western, Rio Bravo, had Howard Hawks directing and an all star cast of John Wayne, Ricky Nelson, Dean Martin, Angie Dickinson, Walter Brennan, Ward Bond and Claude Akins.

Dimitri Shostakovich

Dimitri Shostakovich had completed his 4th Symphony in 1936 just when Joseph Stalin was beginning his bloody purges of millions. That same year the dictator had attended the premiere of Shostakovich’s opera Lady Macbeth and stormed out in a rage before the presentation was finished.

Given the circumstances, the composer held off on the world premiere of the 4th Symphony until 1961.

The work is scored for more than 100 instruments , including extra brass and percussion. It is powerful music with some very loud climaxes but it ends with about 5 minutes of the quietest , most exquisitely heavenly notes scored for hushed strings, muted trumpet and the celeste which looks like a small piano but sounds like chimes.

A 2005 youtube video features Semyon Bychkov conducting the WDR Orchestra in Cologne . It is a very exciting performance.

Since 2017, Maestro Bychkov has been Music Director of the Czech Philharmonic . Born in 1952, he grew up in the former Soviet Union but, due to the growing anti-semitism of the government – Bychkov is Jewish- he left the country in 1974 with 100 dollars in his pocket, settling in Vienna to further his musical studies.

SMALL SPACE GARDENING: Brighten every room in your home with plants

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by Melinda Myers

Humidity-loving plants like orchids are a good choice to grow in the bathroom where the growing conditions will be right. (photo courtesy of MelindaMyers.com)

Anytime is a great time to add a few houseplants to your home. Adding greenery indoors expands your gardening opportunities and provides the many benefits of living with and tending plants. It can boost your mood and reduce stress while adding beauty or nutritious food to your home.

Increase productivity and creativity by including plants in your home or work office. Greenery helps reduce stress even when working at your desk or tackling homework at the end of a long day. Set a few plants on or near your desk or other workspace. Expand your growing opportunities with the help of stylish, energy-efficient full spectrum plant lights to fit any décor while directing light where it is needed to promote healthy plant growth.

Boost the flavor and nutrition of meals year-round by growing leafy greens and herbs in a sunny window or under artificial lights. Start plants from seeds or purchase transplants to grow indoors. Place your indoor kitchen garden in a brightly lit location, free of cold drafts and with easy access to harvest and use. Turn family meals and friend gatherings into unique and memorable experiences by enlisting them to harvest some greens for their salad and herbs to season their meals.

Grow ferns, orchids, bromeliads, and other humidity-loving plants in your bathroom. Consider these and other low-light plants like cast iron, pothos, and philodendron if natural light is limited. You’ll enjoy stepping out of the shower into a mini tropical zone allowing you to ease into your day.

Get a good night’s sleep with a bit of homegrown aromatherapy in the bedroom. Grow lavender, rosemary, chamomile, and other soothing herbs in your bedroom near a sunny window, on a shelf, or in another naturally or artificially lit, bright location. Just give the plants a pet to release their fragrance into the air before crawling into bed for a long restful sleep.

Create a miniature tropical, moss or desert garden in a terrarium to serve as a focal point in any room or as a centerpiece on the dining room table. Use an open terrarium for succulents and other plants that need airflow, lower humidity, and space to grow. Enlist closed terrariums for moss and tropical plants that benefit from the high humidity and condensation that provides continual watering.

Indoor greenery always makes a nice addition when rethinking or refreshing your home décor in any space. You and your family will enjoy the beauty and many other benefits plants provide.

Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books, including Midwest Gardener’s Handbook, 2nd Edition and Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” instant video and DVD series and the nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine. Myers’ website is www.MelindaMyers.com.

SCORES & OUTDOORS: How do birds keep warm during the frigid weather?

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Roland D. Halleeby Roland D. Hallee

Last week I was watching a cardinal at my wife’s bird feeder and wondered how those little critters keep warm. So, let’s talk about how those little feathered friends keep warm during those times.

Birds are warm-blooded animals that have a much higher temperature than humans, usually in the range of 105 degrees, as compared to our 98.6 degrees. Body temperatures can vary during daylight hours but it can challenge the birds during the night to maintain such a high body heat.

Smaller birds run more of a risk of body heat loss since they have a proportionately larger surface area on their bodies to lose heat but a smaller core volume to generate it.

Birds have different ways to maintain body heat during cold weather. Their feathers provide remarkable insulation, and many species will actually grow extra feathers as part of a late fall molt to give them thicker protection in the winter. Oil also coats their feathers to provide, not only insulation, but waterproofing.

Their legs and feet are covered with scales to minimize heat loss. By constricting blood flow to their extremities, they can also reduce body heat loss even further.

Then, there is the old standby: adding body fat reserves to serve as insulation and extra energy for generating body heat. They will gorge themselves in the fall when food sources are abundant.

Another way to produce insulation from the cold is to fluff their feathers. That enables air pockets to be created, keeping them toasty warm. Also, it is not unusual to see birds standing on one leg or crouched to cover both legs with their feathers to shield them from the cold. They also tuck their beaks into their shoulder feathers for protection, and to breathe air warmed from their body heat.

On sunny days, they will perch with their backs to the sun to maximize the exposure area of their body. They raise their wings to allow the skin and feathers to absorb as much of the sun’s heat as possible, even spreading or drooping their wings while sunning.

If you see a bird shivering, don’t worry. They do this to raise their metabolic rate and generate more body heat as a short term solution in extreme cold.

Many small birds will gather in large flocks at night and crowd together in an attempt to share their collective body heat. Even individually, they will roost in places that may contain residual heat from the day’s sunlight.

But, there is something called torpor that birds will use to conserve energy during the cold nights. Torpor is a state of reduced metabolism when the body temperature is lowered, therefore requiring fewer calories to maintain the proper heat. Birds can lower their body temperature from 22 to 50 degrees. Torpor, however, can be dangerous as reduced temperature also leads to slower reactions and greater vulnerability to predators.

Even with all of these Mother Nature-built in safeguards, mortality rate among birds can run high during extreme winters. You can help.

During winter, keep your feeders cleared of snow and filled with good food, offer liquid water, and provide shelter. You can build brush piles or protective boxes if you have no natural shelters. I think one of the reasons we have as many birds during winter as we have is because birds are attracted to coniferous trees. My wife and I have three rather large pine trees in our backyard, providing them with plenty of protection from the weather.

Mother Nature, again, provides for its creatures, large or small.

Roland’s trivia question of the week:

Which current NFL team was originally called the Titans?

Answer
The New York Jets.

FOR YOUR HEALTH: Ways to Treat Chronic Back Pain Without Surgery

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Featured Expert:
Stephanie Pham Van, M.D.

Back pain is considered chronic if it lasts three months or longer. It can come and go, often bringing temporary relief followed by frustration. Dealing with chronic back pain can be especially trying if you don’t know the cause.

Back pain rehabilitation specialist Stephanie Van, M.D., offers insights into common chronic back pain causes and nonsurgical treatment options — and she advises not to give up hope.

Common Causes of Chronic Back Pain

Chronic back pain is usually age-related, but it can also result from an injury. The most common causes include:

  • Arthritis of the spine — the gradual thinning of the cartilage inside the spine
  • Spinal stenosis — narrowing of the spinal canal that may lead to nerve pain
  • Disk problems, such as a herniated or bulging disk
  • Myofascial pain syndrome — muscle pain and tenderness without clear cause

In some cases, it is difficult to pinpoint the cause of chronic back pain.

“If your doctor has explored all diagnostic and treatment options they are comfortable with, consider seeking a second opinion from a back pain specialist,” Van recommends.

It is important to understand the source of your pain as much as possible, and to consider every available, reasonable option. People with back pain should not feel rushed into settling for an invasive, irreversible surgical procedure. Surgery can be helpful for many people, but it is usually considered a last resort after more conservative options have been exhausted. Surgery can correct structural abnormalities contributing to back pain, but it does not guarantee pain relief, and it may even worsen the pain, Van warns. If the source of the pain is not known or can’t be treated, the best strategy is to collaborate with your doctor on a pain management plan that reduces the severity and frequency of flare-ups and focuses on goals for function and quality of life.

Exercise is the foundation of chronic back pain treatment. It’s one of the first treatments you should try, under the guidance of your physician and spine physical therapist.

Physical therapy for chronic back pain may include:

  • Core strengthening
  • Stretching and flexibility exercises
  • Retraining posture
  • Testing the limits of pain tolerance
  • Aerobic exercises at a comfortable pace
  • Diet Change
  • Some diets are highly inflammatory, especially those high in trans fats, refined sugars and processed foods.

Lifestyle Modifications

There are many ways to adapt and adjust your behavior and activity that can significantly improve chronic back pain before even considering medications or procedures.
Injection-based Treatments

Trigger point injections, epidural steroid injections, nerve blocks, nerve ablations and other types of injection-based procedures are available for chronic back pain.

Alternative Treatments

Acupuncture, massage, biofeedback therapy, laser therapy, electrical nerve stimulation and other nonsurgical spine treatments can make a difference for chronic back pain. Pharmacologic Treatments

All kinds of medicines (topical, oral, injectable) are used to help manage chronic back pain, including anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants, nerve pain medications and even antidepressants. However, any medication can have unwanted side effects. Work with your doctor to explore medication strategies that directly address the cause of your pain (if it is known).

When is surgery a good idea for back pain?

If you suddenly start experiencing any of the following “red flag” symptoms, it might be time for surgery, if the symptoms found to be related to your spine condition:

  • New or worsening bowel/bladder issues (incontinence, groin numbness)
  • Weakness in limbs
  • Gait and balance problems
  • Evidence of increased (brisk) reflexes

Surgery can also be an option for chronic back pain if a cause is confirmed by imaging and if other treatments have not helped.

“Surgery is the most invasive, high risk strategy for chronic back pain,” Van says. “It is irreversible, and it does not guarantee complete relief of back pain.

REVIEW POTPOURRI: Dylan and Vee; Conductor: Lorin Maazel

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by Peter Cates

Dylan and Vee

Bob Dylan

At a 2013 concert in St. Paul, Minnesota, Bob Dylan paid tribute to Bobby Vee (1943-2016), who was in the audience. Dylan played piano as part of Vee’s backup band for two gigs in 1959 and the two singers had remained friends and performed together on occasion over subsequent decades.

Dylan, who had performed with so many legends in concerts, described Vee as “the most beautiful person I’ve ever been on the stage with.”

One could point out a world of difference between Bobby Vee’s Rubber Ball and Bob Dylan’s Mister Tambourine Man; it would also be a waste of time and space. Instead one admires the tribute from one American music statesman to another.

The interest in Bobby Vee came after recently listening to a Liberty seven-inch 45 record of two of Vee’s megahits back in the very early ‘60s when he and two other Bobbys, Rydell and Vinton, were bombarding the Billboards and airwaves.

The songs, Run to Him; and Walkin’ with My Angel, were written by Gerry Goffin and his ex-wife Carole King, they being famous for But Will You Love Me Tomorrow. And both songs were given superb production work by the Liberty records founder Snuff Garrett (He signed to the label singer Julie London and Alvin and the Chipmunks) with some of the finest session players in the business and the Johnny Mann Singers doing backup.

Bobby Vee

Even more impressive was Vee’s singing with a beautifully projected vocal register, clear articulation, characterful phrasing and vibrant warmth. Not only did I listen to my very good copy of the 45 but also to the remastered sound, derived from the original source material during later decades, to be heard on YouTube which had outstanding sound lacking in the old 45s.

I also listened to Youtubes of Vee’s very captivating hits, Rubber Ball, and the classic The Night Has a Thousand Eyes and several others that weren’t quite as good as material but were still given top notch arrangements.

At the 2013 concert, Bob Dylan sang an early hit of Bobby Vee, Suzie Baby, and it can be heard on YouTube, along with Vee’s original recording. I actually liked Vee’s better. Dylan’s own singing at the age of 72 just wasn’t what it used to be but it was an important historical moment.

The two singers did critique each other’s musicianship in a pithy manner:

Dylan – Vee “had a metallic, edgy tone to his voice and it was as musical as a silver bell.”

Vee- Dylan “played pretty good in the key of C.”

Bobby Vee died in 2016 at the age of 73 from Alzheimer’s which he had been suffering from for several years. His wife died the previous year from a kidney ailment.

Lorin Maazel

Conductor Lorin Maazel (1930-2015), for good or bad, has been one of the most fascinating individuals who ever directed a symphony orchestra. He succeeded George Szell (1897-1970) as music director of the Cleveland Orchestra in 1971, staying ten years before becoming director of the Vienna State Opera and, as far as I am concerned, successfully followed perfectionist Szell’s very hard act.

In 1976, Maazel and the Clevelanders recorded a set of the Brahms 4 Symphonies, Haydn Variations and Tragic and Academic Festival Overtures. It was reviewed in high fidelity along with another set of the Symphonies and 2 Overtures but lacking the Haydn Variations that was released the same year and featured Eugen Jochum (1902-1987) leading the London Philharmonic.

Both sets were trashed by the record critic whose ears, as far as I was concerned, were screwed on wrong. I own shelves of different Brahms Symphonies and I have found that both Maazel and Jochum conducted very exciting performances that brought out the balance of rip-roaring romantic emotions in Johannes Brahms’s own psyche and the sternly crafted architecture that this composer imposed, based on his admiration of the 18th century examples of Bach, Handel and Haydn.

The sets remain among my favorites. Both Jochum and Maazel conveyed a love of this composer’s inspired music but brought a differently personalized individuality to the performances, unlike some conductors of recent years who copy cat each other with dull performances and wouldn’t let themselves go emotionally if their lives depended on it.

There are, however, some annoying quirks in Maazel’s conducting of these pieces – a ridiculously fast tempo in the last movement of the 1st Symphony, some limp phrasing in the first movement of the 2nd movement that drags it out and, at odd moments, a ho-hum manner with phrasing and detail.

But these annoying moments are few. All in all, a set worth seeking out for the curious listener.

During Maazel’s Cleveland years, he recorded prize-winning sets of Prokofiev’s complete Romeo and Juliet ballet and Gershwin’s complete Porgy and Bess, along with a really good Beethoven 9 Symphonies that was pretty well ignored by the critics.

CRITTER CHATTER: Is it spring, yet, at Duck Pond Wildlife Center?

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by Jayne Winters

“Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds,” is a phrase we associate with U.S. postal carriers, but I think it could easily describe Don Cote and his volunteers at the Wildlife Care Center in Vassalboro. (Out of curiosity, I searched on-line and found a “Wildlife Rehabilitator Code of Ethics” which addresses high standard quality care/methods; education; adherence to federal, state and local laws/regulations; health and safety practices; community support/involvement; professional conduct; and the obvious need for personal integrity, compassion and commitment).

But back to the weather not preventing the “completion of their appointed rounds.” Although we haven’t had many heavy snowstorms this winter, access to the outside wildlife enclosures still need to be plowed, snow-blown and/or shoveled. Treacherous icy paths to the pens need sanding. Frozen water tubs need to be emptied and refilled with fresh water. Cages need to be mucked out and bedding replaced. Roofs need to be cleared of snow and ice. Fencing, enclosures and tarps often need to be repaired. All of this in addition to the daily food preparations for breakfast and dinner feedings, dispensing of medications, changing dressings, washing and disinfecting food dishes and doing laundry for soiled blankets and towels.

In addition to Don’s personal 12 ducks and 22 geese, current winter residents include one chipmunk, two red squirrels, one gray squirrel, six foxes, and three deer, all of which require tending to at least twice a day. Some are carry-overs from last fall because they were too young or not healthy enough for release; the remainder are fall and winter rescues from vehicle hits, natural or predatory injuries and home “invasion” critters seeking food and shelter from the harsh elements. New admissions are evaluated and many are transferred to other rehabbers who have graciously offered their assistance to help keep animal care at Duck Pond manageable. Spring and summer rescues can quickly become overwhelming for Don and his two volunteers, one of whom is only available on weekends.

Any time during the day Don may need to respond to rescue calls, set up and monitor traps, transport severely injured wildlife to the vet, or pick up food donations from Hannaford, Wal-Mart, animal shelters, etc. Being on-call 24/7 requires patience, understanding and flexibility in his schedule. He is most appreciative of folks who can meet him at a half-way point or bring the animal directly to Duck Pond if they can safely transport it.

In addition to the day-to-day activities of operating the rehab center, annual state and federal reports have to be submitted at this time of year, with license renewal applications due every two and five years, respectively. Don doesn’t have a computer, so I’ve been helping him by downloading forms, copying, etc. I even have reminders on my own calendar of their due dates so we don’t forget! As a nonprofit organization, he has to keep accurate records of all donations, whether they are cash, checks or gift cards (Hannaford and Walmart are visited weekly), for tax preparation and filing. I must admit I’ve been impressed with his up-to-date files. I think Carlene trained him well!

Don and his volunteers appreciate and thank the other rehabbers who continue to generously accept critter transfers from Duck Pond.

Donald Cote operates Duck Pond Wildlife Care Center on Rte. 3 in Vassalboro. It is a non-profit state permitted rehab facility which is supported by his own resources and outside donations. Mailing address: 1787 North Belfast Ave., Vassalboro ME 04989 TEL: (207) 445-4326. Please note the previous e-mail address is no longer monitored.

SCORES & OUTDOORS: Ermine population stable; one of world’s top 100 most invasive species

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The different coats of the winter and summer ermine.

Roland D. Halleeby Roland D. Hallee

Last week, I received a phone call from a reader in Palermo who told me that for only the third time in the last 17 years, he spotted an American ermine crossing his back yard.

The American ermine or American stoat, Mustela richardsonii, is a species of mustelid native to most of North America.

It was long considered conspecific with the stoat, but a 2021 study found it to be a distinct species. The finding has been accepted by the American Society of Mammalogists.

Both ermines and mink belong to the same subfamily, which contains weasels, badgers, ferrets, polecats and wolverines. These two creatures share many features, but differ in several ways.

Ermines resemble the long-tailed weasel in general both appearance and coloration, but is smaller, has a shorter tail, and has white fur on the inner side of the hind legs.

The species is found throughout most of North America aside from most of Alaska (although it is found on some islands in southeastern Alaska), eastern Yukon, most of Arctic Canada, and Greenland. It reaches the northern extent of its range in Baffin Island and a portion of eastern mainland Nunavut and ranges from here to cover almost all of western North America south to northern New Mexico, and eastern North America south to northern Virginia. It is absent from most of the Southeastern United States and the Great Plains.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature lists the ermine population as stable and of least concern.

In North America, where the ecological niche for rat- and rabbit-sized prey is taken by the larger long-tailed weasel, the American ermine preys on mice, voles, shrews, young cottontails, chipmunks, deer mice, jumping mice, and house mice. Usually the ermine kills by biting at the base of the skull. Small birds, frogs, small fish, and earthworms are other types of prey for ermines.

Ermines live and find cover from predators in hollow spaces from logs, burrows and man made structures. Ermines sometimes den within their prey’s nest and use their skin and fur as a lining for their den.

Ermines are mostly nocturnal, but may forage by day.

The ermine is listed as one of the top 100 most invasive species in the world. It was introduced to several areas to reduce rabbit populations and rapidly became a threat to ecosystems because of its vicious nature and ability to sustain itself on a variety of prey.

At one time, the ermine was sought for its attractive fur. During the winter months, the ermine’s fur turns white, making it a valuable and prized material for fur clothing. In medieval Europe, ermine fur was highly sought after for its rarity and beauty, and it was often reserved for use by royalty and other members of the nobility.

They breed in dense parts of the forest. The season for breeding is late springtime to the summer from July to August. The males mature in a year while the females only take three to four weeks to mature. The females carry a litter of four to seven babies for 255 days then gives birth.

Some of the larger wild predators of ermines are minks, martens, fishers, bobcats, coyotes, and large owls and hawks. Occasionally, a domesticated cat or dog may kill an ermine. Their small agile bodies help them evade these predators, while also allow them to compete with their predators for food in more barren months.

In spite of its bad smell and small size, however, the ermine is very self-confident, even rude – it often sits up and stares directly into the eyes of humans. Ermines do not dig its own den when they give birth, instead, they will take over old lemming burrows, food caches or graves.

According to my research, it appears that it is legal to have an ermine as a pet in Maine. However, I would advise to check with the state before owning one.

Roland’s trivia question of the week:

Which NFL team allegedly changed its geographical name in an attempt to attract a larger fan base?

Answer
In 1971, the Boston Patriots changed their name to the New England Patriots, when they moved to Foxborough.

Give Us Your Best Shot! for Thursday, February 29, 2024

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To submit a photo for this section, please visit our contact page or email us at townline@townline.org!

CLEANING UP: P. Varney, of the Neck Road, in China, captured this bald eagle helping itself to some carrion.

LAST CAST: Erin Gray, of Vassalboro, took this picture of Stephen Page fishing on China Lake, in East Vassalboro, right before the dock was taken out.

AH…SUNNY WARMTH: Joan Chaffee, of Clinton, snapped this groundhog last summer.

FOR YOUR HEALTH: What can adults do to maintain good oral health?

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You can keep your teeth for your lifetime. Here are some things you can do to maintain a healthy mouth and strong teeth.

Drink fluoridated water and brush with fluoride toothpaste.

Practice good oral hygiene. Brush teeth thoroughly twice a day and floss daily between the teeth to remove dental plaque.

Visit your dentist at least once a year, even if you have no natural teeth or have dentures.

Do not use any tobacco products. If you smoke, quit.

Limit alcoholic drinks.

If you have diabetes, work to maintain control of the disease. This will decrease risk for other complications, including gum disease. Treating gum disease may help lower your blood sugar level.

If your medication causes dry mouth, ask your doctor for a different medication that may not cause this condition. If dry mouth cannot be avoided, drink plenty of water, chew sugarless gum, and avoid tobacco products and alcohol.

See your doctor or a dentist if you have sudden changes in taste and smell.

When acting as a caregiver, help older individuals brush and floss their teeth if they are not able to perform these activities independently.

How to Clean Your Teeth and Gums

There is a right way to brush and floss your teeth.

Gently brush your teeth on all sides with a soft-bristle brush and fluoride toothpaste. Replace your toothbrush every three to four months.

Use small circular motions and short back-and-forth strokes.

Brush carefully and gently along your gum line.

Lightly brush your tongue or use a tongue scraper to help keep your mouth clean.

Clean between your teeth with dental floss, prethreaded flossers, a water flosser, or a similar product. This removes plaque and leftover food that a toothbrush can’t reach.

Rinse after you floss.

People with arthritis or other conditions that limit hand motion may find it hard to hold and use a toothbrush. Some helpful tips are:

Use an electric or battery-operated toothbrush.

Buy a toothbrush with a larger handle.

Attach the toothbrush handle to your hand with a wide elastic band.

See your dentist if brushing or flossing causes your gums to bleed or hurts your mouth. If you have trouble flossing, a floss holder may help. Ask your dentist to show you the right way to floss.