Dr. Nadia Chowhan of Aspen Dental in Bourbonnais Reminds Patients, Caregivers About Importance of Regular Oral Care for Mature Adults in Recognition of Older Americans Month

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May 05, 2010, 03:47 ET

SYRACUSE, N.Y., May 5 /PRNewswire/ -- In recognition of Older Americans Month, Dr. Nadia Chowhan of Aspen Dental in Bourbonnais is reminding patients about the importance regular dental examinations and the refitting or replacement of dentures for good oral and overall health.

The oral health status of mature adults has improved in recent years. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, "Tooth retention and periodontal [gum] health improved for both adults and seniors" in the past decade. But though people are keeping their natural teeth longer than ever before thanks to improvements in self-care, water fluoridation, and advances in dentistry, it is estimated that 75 percent of Americans have some form of gum disease.

"There's widespread awareness of the importance of good oral health in children, but it is equally important for adults. Receding gum tissue is a common problem as we age, a condition that can expose the roots of teeth and make them more vulnerable to decay and infection," said Dr. Chowhan.

"What many people fail to recognize is that gum disease is linked with the incidence of common health issues like heart disease, diabetes and stroke," Dr. Chowhan added. "Older Americans Month is an excellent opportunity to remind adults and caregivers of seniors that taking good care of yourself includes maintaining your oral health."

Even for those patients who don't have their natural teeth -- nearly 50 million Americans wear dentures – visiting your dentist is important.

The average denture-wearer gets their first set of dentures in their mid-50s. But the tissues in the mouth change over time, and bone and gum ridges shrink, which can result in ill-fitting dentures that make eating uncomfortable or downright painful. While the American Dental Association recommends that dentures be replaced every five to seven years, many people keep the same set of dentures for much longer.

Wearing poorly fitted dentures can also prevent healthy eating. Research has long indicated that people with ill-fitting dentures have poorer nutrition than those with well-fitted dentures or natural teeth due to the difficulty they have in chewing foods, especially certain fruits and vegetables.

"Unfortunately, many older adults have problems with their dentures that make chewing foods difficult, and the problem is often overlooked," added Dr. Chowhan.

Located at N. State Route 50, the Bourbonnais office is open extended hours, including select Saturdays, and works with all insurance providers. Walk-in patients and those with emergencies are welcome.

To make an appointment, call 815-933-7779 or 800-ASPEN DENTAL. As an added convenience, patients can visit www.aspendent.com and click "Make an Appointment" to schedule online.

About Aspen Dental

One of the largest and fastest-growing networks of denture and dental care providers in the U.S., Aspen Dental practices are committed to providing patients with affordable, high-quality care under the Aspen Dental brand.

Aspen Dental practices are nationally accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and maintain an A+ rating with the BBB's Reliability Report.

The Aspen Dental network has grown from 13 offices and three states in 1998 to more than 235 locations in 20 states today. More than 350 licensed dentists and 200 dental hygienists work with Aspen Dental throughout Arizona, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington and Wisconsin.

In 2009, Aspen Dental doctors recorded more than 1.5 million patient visits, including visits from more than 340,000 new patients.

Aspen Dental doctors and staff help meet the demand for high-quality, yet affordable denture and dental services by offering convenient retail locations, extended hours, affordable fees and a wide range of payment plan options. The offices work with all insurance plans.

For more information about Aspen Dental and the services it provides, please visit www.aspendent.com. To learn more about careers at Aspen Dental, please visit www.aspendentaljobs.com.

SOURCE Aspen Dental