Geriatric dental problem

Geriatric dental problem

Tooth is an important part of our body. People of all ages should take care of their teeth. Specially children And elder people cannot take care of their teeth alone .Senior citizens are more prone to oral diseases.

Geriatric dental problem

According to the Department of Health and Human Services of USA, over 25% of 65 to 74 year olds have severe periodontal diseases. Over 50% of adults of 65 years and older are Edentulous.

How many of us know about geriatric dentistry?

Geriatric dentistry can be defined as provision of dental care for adults with one or more chronic debilitating physical or mental illness with associated medication and psychological problem.

In developing countries people who are more than 60 years, suffer from dental problems due to nutritional status, climate condition and poor dental care.

The most common geriatric oral diseases are-

1. mild gum disease or gingivitis

2. severe gum disease or periodontitis

3. root carries

4. dental erosion

5. dry mouth

6. fungal infections

7. denture Stomatitis

Let’s learn about the factor of the diseases and how to prevent them.

Gum diseases

The most common reason of gum disease is poor dental Hygiene, diabetes mellitus, smoking, poor nutrition, genetics an immune status. To prevent gum disease we have to brush daily, use antimicrobial mouth rinses, quit smoking. We should eat a proper balanced diet and be in touch with a dentist.

Root carries

As gum reduce, roots are more exposed and vulnerable to carries. Poor oral hygiene due to physical or cognitive limitations is one of the causes of root caries. Sometimes root caries happens because of dry mouth. To prevent tooth decay we need a proper education of diet. We should avoid frequent snacks and beverages that is high in sugars. Again we have to brush properly and flossing is a must. We can use mouthwash which contains chlorhexidine.

Dental erosion

Gastric acid destroy dentin and enamel. Teeth becomes smooth and glossy. Pulp exposure causes hot and cold sensitivity. So we have to rinse with water after reflux or vomiting.

Dry mouth

Have you ever seen a desert? Sometimes mouth become dry like a desert. It happens due to side effects of medicine, diseases and disorders, menopause, local factors and eating disorders. Dry mouth is known as xerostomia.The symptoms of dry mouth are dryness of oral tissues, increased thirst, difficulties with speaking, eating dry foods ,swallowing and difficulty in wearing removable dentures.

How to manage dry mouth:

1. change in medications

2. stimulation of salivary gland

3. Salivary substitutes

4. Non alcohol antimicrobial mouthwash

5. Fluoride therapy to prevent tooth decay

This is how we can prevent dry mouth.

Denture stomatitis

When someone uses a denture daily due to improper oral hygiene and fungal infections , denture stomatitis occurs. To Prevent the disease we have to clean the denture Daily, wear it only during the day, use mouthwash with nystatin, soak dentures in Nystatin mixture with water.

If we learn about the diseases and take proper precautions , we can easily support our elder citizens fighting dental problems.