Older people are prone to dental problems. Arthritis in joints in many of the old people face difficulty in brushing their teeth leads to dental problems.
Dental problems in Older People:
1. Darkening of teeth:
Darkening of teeth means discoloration of teeth. This is due to the changes in the dentin structure, Smoking of cigarettes, chewing tobacco, destruction of enamel.
2. Dry mouth:
Dryness of mouth is mainly seen in older people. It is due to the decrease in the flow of saliva in mouth, side effects of some medication. It can be seen in patients who is taking radiation therapy on neck and head. This can be controlled by chewing sugarless gums which increases the saliva flow in mouth.
3. Root decay:
Root decay is the exposure of tooth root to the acidic foods. Root decay are more seen in older people than tooth decay as they are not protected by enamel. This can be controlled by avoiding acidic foods or if taken rinse mouth after taking. These problems result in the loss of teeth.
4. Gum diseases:
Gum disease in old people are mainly due to improper oral hygiene. This leads to formation of plaques and in turn gum diseases. Old people are mostly suffer with arthritis and are unable to hold the brush. Gum diseases can be prevented by using electronic brushes for good oral hygiene. Poor diet, anemia and Diabetes causes gum problems
5. Oral cancer:
Oral cancer is the formation of vesicles in the mouth includes throat, cheeks, lips, tongue. The symptoms of oral cancer are small white colour spots in mouth, gum bleeding. This can be treated with surgery if detected in earlier stage.
6. Diminishing sense of teeth:
Sense of taste can be diminished with age. This may be the side effect of medications or diseases.
7. Thrush:
Thrush can be seen in older people. Some medications affect the immune system which leads to the growth of fungus in mouth.
8. Poor fitting denture:
Improper fitting of denture leads to stomatitis. poor oral hygiene leads to growth of fungus under the denture.
These are the oral problems associated in the old age people. To prevent these problems, oral hygiene is important. Here are the some tips to improve oral hygiene.
- Brush twice daily. If you are suffering with arthritis and unable to hold the brush, use electronic brush to clean your teeth.
- Floss regularly to remove any plaque between the teeth.
- Avoid smoking and chewing tobacco products
- Rise the mouth with water or mouth washes after taking meal.
