Common dental problems among older persons
Geriatric dentistry or gerodontics is the delivery of dental care to older adults (over the age of 65) involving the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of problems associated with normal aging and age-related diseases. In dealing with older adults, a dentist works as part of an interdisciplinary team with other health care professionals.
Dental problems are among the most common health problems experienced by older adults. In fact, people over 65 with natural teeth have more tooth decay than any other age group and thus continue to require at least a yearly visit to the dentist.
Older people produce less saliva and they need to clean the teeth frequently. Gums shrink with age, exposing the tooth to decay or infection. Furthermore, older persons may have difficulty in flossing and brushing because of poor vision or problems moving their arms, wrists, and hands. Dental problems can lead to poor nutrition because difficulty in eating. Unfortunately, these problems are often not attended to by older persons, particularly men.
There are five dental problems common among older persons:
Dental Decay.
As people age, their gums begin to recede. The roots of the tooth are exposed and it is very easy for cavities to develop in this area. Cavities can lead to infection and teeth breaking off. A yearly visit to the dentist is a good preventive measure. If the older person does not feel comfortable with the dentist you have chosen, find a gerodontist.
Gum Disease.
Plaque grows on the surface of the teeth. The bacteria found in plaque produce off acids that cause gum disease. To prevent gum disease and tooth decay, an older adult brushes and flosses his teeth daily to remove plaque. An electric toothbrush may be easier to use; a dentist or dental hygienist can demonstrate how an electric toothbrush can be properly used.
Poor Fitting Dentures.
Dentures should be checked and refitted on a regular basis as they can become loose or uncomfortable. Poor dentures may be loose because bone loss in an endentolous person is a continuous process. It can drop when a person speaks and can cause chewing problems.
Dry Mouth.
Older people sometimes produce less saliva. Saliva is a natural mouth protector which limits the growth of bacteria, cleanses the mouth of food, and bathes the teeth with protective minerals, thus a reduction in saliva can cause dental decay. Dry mouth also can be caused by some diseases, cancer therapy, or by medicines such as diuretics, antihistamines, anti-anxiety drugs, anti-depressants, alcohol, and other drugs that slow the flow of saliva. Those older adults who are on medication should consult their pharmacist for advice.
Oral Cancer.
Oral cancer includes cancers of the mouth, throat, tongue, and lips. If you notice red or white spots, sores in the mouth or bleeding which does not disappear within two weeks, make an appointment with the dentist or physician. These could be early signs of oral cancer.
Prevention is the best medicine. Many dental problems are preventable with good daily mouth care. If problems are caught early they are usually inexpensive and easy to fix.
The goals of an older adult are to:
Encourage daily mouth care
Be alert to signs of dental problems
Keep mouth moist
See the dentist at least once a year
source: drkam.wordpress.com
