The global population is increasing at the annual rate of about 2 %, while the population of those over 65 years is increasing at a rate of 2.8 %. Both the developed, as well as the under developed countries, are expected to experience significant shifts in the age distribution of the population by 2050. The fastest growing population segment in most countries is the adults older than 80 years, which according to the United Nations estimates will make up nearly 20% of the world’s population.
In India the incidence of oral cancer happens at an alarming rate which is also on the high during old age disease especially in males.Various systemic disease not only influences the patient’s ability to maintain oral hygiene and promotion of oral health, but also can lead to certain oral complications. Though impairments are not life threatening, they affect a person’s quality of life to a serious extent.Some of the common oral problems are
- Root caries . This is caused by exposure of the tooth root to decay producing 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.
- Peroiodontal disease. Caused by dental plaque and made worse by food left in teeth, use of tobacco products, poor-fitting removable dentures,fixed prosthesis and clasps and , poor diets, and certain diseases, such as anemia, cancer, and diabetes, this is often a problem for older adults. The ultimate complication is tooth loss
- Uneven jaw bone . 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
- Residual Ridge Resorption There is rapid rate of ridge resorption as age advances.This process even increases three to four fold in uncontrolled diabetic patients.Therefore artificial teeth or dentures may get loosened periodically and there will be need of frequent relining or refabrication
- 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.
- Oral Candidiasis Other than dentures,diseases or drugs that affect the immune system can trigger the overgrowth of the fungus Candida albicans in the mouth.
- Discloration of teeth . Caused to some extent, by changes in dentin 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.
- Dry mouth. Dry mouth is 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 taste sensation . While advancing age impairs the sense of taste, diseases, medications, and dentures can also contribute to this sensory loss.
Age in and of itself is not a dominant or sole factor in determining oral health. However, certain medical conditions, such as arthritis in the hands and fingers, parkinsonism etc.may make brushing or flossing teeth difficult to impossible to perform. Drugs can also affect oral health and may make a change in your dental treatment necessary.Uncontrolled diabetes patients also have severe oral problems such as increased periodontal disease ,poor wound healing ,accelerated ridge resorption etc.
Daily brushing and flossing of natural teeth is essential to keeping them in good oral health. Plaque can build up quickly on the teeth of seniors, especially if oral hygiene is neglected, and lead to periodontal disease and dental caries.
To maintain good oral health, it's important for all individuals regardless of age to
- Brush at least twice a day with a fluoride containing toothpaste
- Use dental floss or interdental brushes at least once a day
- Rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash once or twice a day
- Visit your dentist once in 6 months for cleaning and oral check up
- Proper communication to the dentist regarding medical problems
- Keep blood sugar and blood pressure under control
- Keep the dentures clean and inspect them frequently
- Frequent self examination for any white and red oral lesions or ulcerations
- Refrain from smoking and other forms of tobacco and arecanut use
- Seek dental treatment without decay whenever any dental problem is detected and avoid self treatment
Dr.Manikandan.G.R
Consultant Periodontist
Trivandrum
