Adults are regarded as seniors at the age of 60 years and older. Seniors experience increasing dental challenges as they continue in their aging process. Despite this group’s tendency to experience comorbidities like hypertension, diabetes mellitus and a reduced immune system, practicing good home care in conjunction with regular visits to the dentist can make a substantive difference in their healthcare.
This week, I will address several dental challenges associated with patients who are aging along with ways to manage them.
Darkened teeth: Caused to some extent by changes in the dentin – the hard substance underneath the tooth enamel. Over the years, the enamel – the outer covering – thins while the dentin gets proportionally larger. This creates a darkening or graying of the tooth. Patients see this as unattractive. It is usually caused by a lifetime of consuming stain-causing foods and beverages. These teeth can be professionally cleaned and whitened to enhance the coloring or alternatively covered with a veneer or crown. On the other hand, a persistent darkened tooth may be a sign of a more serious problem like a dying tooth caused by nerve damage. This should be checked by your dentist.
Dry mouth: This is caused by reduced saliva flow from the salivary glands under our tongue and on the side of our cheeks. Dry mouth is often caused by radiation damage of the glands when directed to the head and neck region as a side effect of cancer treatment. Also, a rare condition referred to as Sjogren’s syndrome causes dry mouth. Sjogren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disorder that affects moisture-producing glands. Ninety percent of people with Sjogren’s are women. It causes the eyes and mouth to dry out, and can also lead to tooth decay, recurring oral thrush, and a persistent dry cough. In my practice, the most common causes of dry mouth are related to the side effects of various medications. The following are some examples:
• Antihistamines.
• Antidepressants.
• Antipsychotics.
• Parkinson’s disease medications.
• Alzheimer’s disease medications.
• Some blood pressure and heart medications.
• Seizure medications.
Diminished sense of taste: While advancing age impairs the sense of taste, some diseases like COVID-19, diabetes, medications or mouth-rinses like Corsodyl and full dentures can also contribute to the perceived taste loss. I have found that full dentures are the most common culprit due to their design. A full upper denture covers the major taste buds located on the roof of the mouth. You should discuss the management of these matters with your dentist.
Root decay: This is caused by exposure of the root of the tooth to acids and bacteria. Have you heard the term “long in the tooth?” This is a phrase associated with seniors whose teeth have become longer due to gum disease. These exposed roots make the teeth susceptible to sensitivity and root cavities. The roots are more exposed because the underlying bone and gum level recede and expose more of the teeth. Roots do not have any enamel to protect them and are more prone to decay than the crown of the tooth. Dentists manage this by applying fluoride gel to protect the root surface, and recommending fluoride toothpaste. Ultimately, good brushing and flossing with regular dental visits will go a long way in reducing root decay.
Denture-related infections: When dentures don’t fit well, or there is poor dental hygiene, sometimes a fungal infection is introduced called candida albicans. The tissues underneath the denture become inflamed. Diseases or medications affecting the immune system can trigger the overgrowth of the fungus in the mouth.
Gum disease and tooth loss: This is considered one of the most common diseases of seniors. It is caused by plaque and made worse by poor oral hygiene. Your habits like proper brushing, leaving food between your teeth, tobacco use, poor fitting crowns, dentures, poor diets, several diseases like cancer and diabetes are all commonly related factors that contribute to the severity of gum disease and teeth loss.
Gum disease is the most common cause of tooth loss and one of the most common diseases in the world. As seniors continue to advance in age, they are at greater risk for a number of dental health challenges. Good oral health and hygiene are especially important for seniors in preventing serious health and dental problems and improving their quality of life.
• Dr. Kendal V.O. Major is the founder and CEO of the Center for Specialized Dentistry, which is a comprehensive family dental practice operating in New Providence and Grand Bahama. He is the first Bahamian specialist in gum diseases and dental implants since 1989. He is also a certified fast braces provider. His practice is located at 89 Collins Avenue, New Providence. He can be contacted at (242) 325-5165 or kmajorcsd@gmail.com.
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source https://thenassauguardian.com/common-dental-problems-seniors-face/
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