Aging is a natural process that causes various changes in the body and the oral cavity is no exception. It is important to understand that there is a strong link between oral health and general health. Physiological aging is often associated with chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, loss of autonomy and dependence on daily activities. Even the oral cavity as an important component of active aging may experience dental problems with or without the presence of any underlying medical problems. Some of the most common dental problems seen in older people are tooth decay, missing teeth, gum disease, tooth decay and tooth decay (decay). Read as Dr. Bathsala, Reader, Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal Share dental care tips for seniors in this article.
Dental health after 60
With age comes tooth decay, tearing, tearing, and tooth decay. This can be further exacerbated by inappropriate oral hygiene measures such as brushing with inappropriate techniques and using a stiff bristle brush.
- As a result, the teeth lose their natural color and appearance and are more susceptible to tooth breakage.
- Patients may complain of sensitivity to certain foods.
- This further leads to tooth decay and tooth loss.
- To avoid this one must use a medium to soft bristle toothbrush and adopt the correct brushing technique.
- The toothbrush should be changed once in three months or whenever it goes out of shape.
Older people’s teeth are missing
Another common dental problem that is prominent among older people is missing teeth.
- Failure to maintain good oral hygiene habits is a major cause of gum disease and tooth decay.
- An important risk factor is tobacco use.
- Absence of teeth has a big impact on quality of life. It reduces chewing efficiency and affects food choices with rejection for fibrous foods.
- This can lead to unwanted gaps between the teeth that lead to the effects of food.
- Communication is also disrupted due to tooth decay.
How to treat a lost dentist?
There are many options for replacing missing teeth. From removable teeth to fixed teeth and implants. The decision on the type of replacement depends on factors such as the location of the missing tooth, bone support, overall health, the condition of the remaining teeth, and the patient’s affordability. Here are some things to keep in mind when wearing a dental floss:
- The teeth must fit properly into the mouth.
- It is essential to clean and massage all the surfaces of the tongue, gums and mouth after tooth extraction at night.
- Teeth should be cleaned daily with denture care products.
- Any burn, ulcer or redness under the teeth must be alerted to the person to seek the advice of a dentist immediately.
Gum disease in older adults
Gum health is vital for dental durability, but most people fail to pay attention to this aspect. Older people often present with loose gums and loose teeth.
- Early symptoms of gum disease include swollen and redness of the gums and bleeding during brushing.
- Poor oral hygiene, lack of regular dental checkups, systemic diseases such as smoking or chewing tobacco and diabetes can exacerbate gum disease.
- Gum diseases can be easily prevented if one maintains good oral hygiene and keeps the surface of the teeth clean.
- Dental scaling procedures can be performed to remove any plaque that has already formed.
- In more serious gum disease, deep scaling and surgical procedures may be required.
- Therefore, regular dental visits are needed to help diagnose these conditions at an early stage.
Tooth decay
Decayed teeth or dental caries is the most common dental problem seen in all ages. Root surface erosions are more common in older people due to loose gums or exposed roots.
- The best way to prevent tooth decay is to maintain good oral hygiene, eat healthy nutritious foods and avoid high sugar sugary foods.
- Regular dental visits help to identify the problem at an early stage and timely cavity filling facilitates longevity of the teeth.
- People with severe toothache may have an infected tooth that requires root canal treatment to prevent the need for tooth removal.
- However, if a dentist considers a decayed tooth to be useless, tooth removal may be the only option.
Other problems
In addition to the dental problems mentioned, older people suffer from systemic diseases, neuropathic problems, and may take multiple medications. Patients taking multiple medications often complain of dry mouth and food allergies.
- Such patients may be advised to take oral salts with artificial saliva supplements, drink water frequently to keep the oral cavity moist, and avoid irritants such as spicy foods, alcohol, smoking and caffeine.
- Nutritional deficiencies such as anemia are another commonly noted condition at this age.
- Burning sensations and angular cheilitis (pain in the corners of the face) may be presented by these patients.
Nutritional supplements must be advised along with timely medical advice. Older people often have a decline in manual skills, cognitive disabilities in performing daily tasks, and a low sensitivity threshold. This can pose a challenge to careful oral hygiene maintenance. Specially adapted handles, Proxa brushes, finger tooth brushes, electric toothbrushes, brushes with flexi grip handles, foams on the handles of toothbrushes may be recommended for better grip and easy use.
Dental care advice for people over 60
Here are some tips for maintaining a healthy face in old age:
Good oral hygiene is key. Brush twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste and a soft bristled brush. The brush needs to be changed when it goes out of shape.
- Have regular dental checkups twice a year
- Flush once a day to remove debris in the middle of the teeth. Floss with handle can be chosen
- Eat nutritious foods, avoid fiber-rich and sticky, sugary items.
- Rub your face well after every meal
Once you reach 60, dental care will not be limited to emergency care. Instead, the goal of oral health should be to keep teeth healthy and beautiful. A healthy smile looks great at every age!
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