Dr. Sri Akshitha (BDS)
Published on - 20 Nov 2023
Aging is a natural process. Old age should be regarded as a normal, inevitable biological phenomenon. Oral health is not separate from general health, but maintaining oral health is definitely difficult and different in old age. In order to achieve health, it is necessary to know few aspects of old age. In due course of old age body tissues get harder, collection of waste products in body cells and loss of lubrication leads to impaired functions of various organs.
Why is dental care important for older adults?
We use our mouths every day of our lives. To breathe, speak, drink, eat, and do all kinds of activities that can affect the general health of our body.
The teeth and gums, like the rest of the body’s tissues, also age. But the deterioration of the mouth can be less if more attention is paid to its care.
In the elderly, the chances of the appearance of different diseases such as periodontal disease or caries increase, being favoured by the secondary effects on the mouth of the use of dental prostheses or the taking of certain medications.
Advancing age puts many seniors at risk for a number of oral health problems, such as:
- Darkened teeth:Caused, to some extent, by changes in dentin -- the bone-like tissue that underlies the tooth enamel-- and by a lifetime of consuming stain-causing foods and beverages. Also caused by thinning of the outer enamel layer that lets the darker yellower dentin show through. A darkened tooth or teeth may be a sign of a more serious problem and should be checked by your dentist.
- Dry mouth: Caused by reduced saliva flow, which can be a result of cancer treatments that use radiation to the head and neck area, as well as certain diseases, such as Sjögren's syndrome, and medication side effects. Many medicines can cause dry mouth.
- Diminished sense of taste : While advancing age impairs the sense of taste, diseases, medications, and dentures can also contribute to this sensory loss.
- Root decay: This is caused by exposure of the tooth root to decay-causing acids. The tooth roots become exposed as gum tissue recedes from the tooth. Roots do not have any enamel to protect them and are more prone to decay than the crown part of the tooth.
- Gum disease: Caused by plaque and made worse by food left in teeth, use of tobacco products, poor-fitting bridges and dentures, poor diets, and certain diseases, such as anemia, cancer, and diabetes, this is often a problem for older adults.
- Tooth loss: Gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss.
- Uneven jawbone: This is caused by tooth and then not replacing missing teeth. This allows the rest of the teeth to drift and shift into open spaces
- Denture-induced stomatitis: Ill-fitting dentures, poor dental hygiene, or a buildup of the fungus Candida albicans cause this condition, which is inflammation of the tissue underlying a denture.
- Thrush: Diseases or drugs that affect the immune system can trigger the overgrowth of the fungus Candida albicans in the mouth.
Build healthy habits:
- Eat healthy and cut down on sugary foods and drinks. This can help prevent tooth decay — and it’s good for your overall health.
- Don't smoke or use other tobacco products. Smoking cigarettes, chewing tobacco, or using snuff puts you at higher risk for oral cancer. Smoking also increases your risk for gum disease.
- If you drink alcohol, drink only in moderation — that means 1 drink or less in a day for women and 2 drinks or less in a day for men. Heavy drinking increases your risk of oral cancer..