Boston Dentist Makes In-Home Calls to Housebound Patients.

Helaine Smith, DMD Helps Housebound and Bedridden Elderly Patients Maintain Their Oral Health

BOSTON -- Boston cosmetic dentist Dr. Helaine Smith [http://www.helainesmithdmd.com] has been quietly making house calls for the last three years to elderly patients living in nursing homes or who are housebound due to illness or mobility problems.

"Maintaining your oral health when you become older and less mobile becomes difficult," stated Dr. Smith. "Elderly folks who are housebound because they can no longer drive, or bedridden due to illness, can't get to the dentist. A few years ago a patient asked if I would make an in-home visit. Since then, I've been working with local health organizations and individuals to provide health care to people who sorely need it but don't have access to it."

As people age their gums recede and dental work, such as bridges and crowns, become loose or out of alignment. And, dry mouth can occur due to taking medications. "It's important," stated Dr. Smith, "that caregivers for the elderly help them maintain their oral health. People who haven't seen a dentist for years can also develop periodontal disease - which is now linked to cancer. A dental professional can screen for oral cancer, examine the teeth and gums for potential problems, and do a cleaning. The result is that the elderly patient feels better physically and emotionally."

The link between oral health and physical health has long been known. However, a recent study provided conclusive evidence of this link. According to a study by the Harvard School of Public Health, the University of San Juan, and the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, men with a history of periodontal disease had a 63% increased risk of developing pancreatic cancer. This statistic is eye-opening, given that over 70% of the adult U.S. population has some form of periodontal disease, according to the American Dental Association (ADA).

About Helaine Smith, DMD

Dr. Smith, a Boston, Massachusetts cosmetic dentist, has combined a dedication to patient care, volunteerism, and business acumen since beginning her dentistry career in 1991. She is a Fellow in the Academy of General Dentistry and a Las Vegas Institute graduate. She recently completed an executive MBA program at Suffolk University.

In May 2006, Dr. Smith's practice was named first runner-up in the prestigious Cosmetic Practice of the Year Award competition, sponsored by Levin Group, Ascend Media, and Philips Oral Healthcare. For more information about her practice visit http://www.helainesmithdmd.com.