GoodLifeFamilyMag.com SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2017 71 -Dr. Ross Miller with the challenges of keeping their mouths healthy.” He says, “You must take into account physical challenges, side effects from medications and changes in the oral environment as a whole.”   “Older people's eating habits frequently change too. In many cases, seniors simply snack on whatever they like, and they do this all day long. It's usually sugary drinks and baked goods, and these invariably contribute to rampant decay,” says Dr. Ross Mill- er who has practiced in Dallas, Plano and Allen for his almost 30-year career. “If readers are able, I hope they will keep an eye out for their senior friends and family and encourage them to see their dentists regularly, suggest alternatives to muffins or sweet tea, and get them out and about where a great smile is an asset. They'll be healthier and happier for it.” In addition, many seniors find themselves subjected to Alzhei- mer’s, Parkinson’s, levels of dementia and other cognitive issues, all of which make self-care challenging.  We must add oral hy- giene to the list of needs these seniors have, along with help in feeding, bathing, and managing money. “The old cliché of ‘retirement means a new gold watch and a set of false teeth’ just doesn’t have to happen anymore.  Seniors’ dentists can recommend specialized toothbrushes or handles that arthritic hands can hold easier, electric brushes that make up for loss of dexterity, flossing aids or substitutes, or various types of mouth rinses.  Dental implants can now replace miss- ing single or multiple teeth as well as anchor complete sets of dentures,” says Dr. Colter, a graduate of Texas A&M University and Baylor College of Dentistry, who completed his residency in Advanced Education in General Dentistry with the US Navy while on active duty.    “Seniors have worked very hard to get to where they are, and they deserve all of the care and attention that they gave their families while raising them,” says Dr. Colter.  “Their needs can be significantly different from those of their adult children, who are often tasked with caring for their elderly parents.”  Part of caring for those we love needs to include observing their oral health and ensuring appointments are made and kept. With the kids back in school, now is the time to help your par- ents make a dentist appointment. After all it’s a real treat when the tooth fairy visits early in life, but she’s a not-so-welcome guest for the seniors in our lives. “If readers are able, I hope they will keep an eye out for their senior friends and family and encourage them to see their dentists regularly, suggest alternatives to muffins or sweet tea, and get them out and about where a great smile is an asset." goodOLEDAYS Sources: Dr. Shandon Colter, North Dallas Family Dental, 972.386.6200 Dr. Ross Miller, Ross J. Miller, DDS, PA Family Dentistry, 972.727.1200 “Seniors have worked very hard to get to where they are, and they deserve all of the care and attention that they gave their families while raising them.” -Dr. Shandon Colter