Dr. Tyler Pittman, local area dentist, was guest speaker at the regular monthly meeting of CHWC-Hospital Auxiliary Monday, Feb. 11th at 1 p.m. at the Montpelier Public Library conference room. He came to Montpelier, relocating from Los Angeles and purchased Dr. Bumb’s practice when he retired. Upon completing his dental training, he participated in a mission trip to Belize working with children on oral hygiene. He has also served as a hospital dentist and has worked with special needs patients including diabetics and serves all ages.
According to Dr. Pittman, research shows problems in the mouth affect health issues throughout the body. Dental care is also important to seniors, even those with dentures or partials, which need to be checked for proper fit on a regular basis. Dentures need to be soaked overnight in bleach water or denture solutions to kill yeast, which builds on plates. He also addressed the problems including “dry mouth” condition, which untreated leads to gum disease and tooth decay. Some prescription medications affect the function of saliva glands. Dry mouth can be relieved using chewing gum and special dental products with fluoride and calcium.
Dr. Pittman also talked about effects of carbonated soda drinks, so-called “monster” drinks and acidic, sugary energy drinks detrimental to teeth enamel, the damage not being immediately apparent. Drug abuse, smoking, chewing tobacco and snuff also are harmful to oral health and in some cases lead to cancer in the mouth. He recommended drinking more water and using various dental products. He also advised not using wooden toothpicks to clean teeth—flossing is better. Patients should always check with their insurance companies on dental coverage and schedule regular checkups regardless of age.
The auxiliary thanked Dr. Pittman for sharing information about dental care and was presented with an appreciation gift. Following the speaker, the regular meeting was conducted by President Deana Gipe. Reports were given by Secretary Jean Young, Treasurer Barb Dietsch, Hospital Gift Shop Asst. Chairman Vivian Brown, and various committee chairmen. Members donated Valentine greeting cards as patient favors for this month, to be delivered by Deanna Gipe and Armeda Sawmiller.
Roll call was answered with “Who was serving as U.S. President when you were born?”. Discussion was held regarding the Hospital Staff Appreciation Tea scheduled for April 1st, which may need to be changed to May.
The next meeting of the auxiliary will be Monday, March 11th at 1 p.m. at the Montpelier Public Library conference room. Members are asked to bring recipes and donations for the bakeless bake sale. Speaker will be Amy Boehm from American Cancer Society, Relay for Life. Roll call will be “When did you change your clocks?”. Members are encouraged to bring guests.