What sort of dental changes are seen in elders?

As one gets older, facial muscles become soft and fragile and stretching capabilities of the gum tissues are lost. The salivary glands produce only less amounts of saliva because of which they find it difficult to chew. The healing capabilities are also lost to some extent. Because of these changes they become more vulnerable to the dental problems. 

What are the dental problems that the elders generally face?

The dental problems that are faced by the elder citizens are-

Tooth and Gum Decay: 

Because of the less production of saliva, the chances of tooth and gum decay increase in elders. Decay generally occurs at the root portion of the teeth. Fillings are not effective for this problem, as the decay starts reoccurring even after it is filled.

Periodontal disease:

This disease is one of the main reasons for the tooth loss at old age. Gums become inflamed and they start bleeding. This is due to the deposition of bacteria and food debris in the gum line. If this disease is left untreated it may cause severe damage to the gum tissue and the teeth.

Brittleness of Teeth:

As one grows older, the root pulp becomes smaller which supports the necessary blood vessels and nerves. Teeth become brittle because of the insufficient nutrition. Brittle teeth tend to break very easily. The pain experienced during the breakages is also very less due to the lack of the supporting nervous system.

Wear of teeth:

Because of chewing the enamel starts wearing off, gradually exposing the dentin. Dentin is sensitive to acidic oral fluids. Therefore, the dentin also starts wearing off. 

Tolerance to dentures:

Dentures are supported by the ridges in the mouth. These ridges start shrinking once the person loses his original teeth. The thinning of the supportive gum tissue is also seen. As a result, managing these dentures becomes a problem. Chewing exercises become painful due to these uncomfortable dentures.

Oral cancers: 

Elders are more susceptible to oral cancers than the young. Even advanced surgical treatments result in the face disfigurement. So, preventing oral cancers by proper dental care is very important.

Systemic diseases:

Diseases like diabetes, leukemia, cancer, heart diseases and kidney diseases are all interlinked with the dental problems.

Drug therapy:

Most of the dental disorders in the old age are the side effects of various medications.

How can the elders improve their dental hygiene?

The dental hygiene can be improved with the help of proper Elderly dental care which includes-

Regular brushings: Plaque and the food debris struck in between the teeth must be removed regularly to prevent dental problems. This can be done by regular brushings. Aged people are recommended to use soft tooth brushes, as their teeth are fragile and tend to break easily.

Flossing: Flossing helps in the removal of plaque and food debris even from the areas not reached by a tooth brush. Though it needs practice, it helps in the complete removal of the plaque and the unwanted food.

Rinsing: Rinsing helps in the removal of the matter that is struck to the teeth because of the reduced saliva content. Rinsing with warm water is recommended to get rid of these adhered particles. It is better to avoid mouth washes as the high alcohol content irritates the dry skin. It can be used after dilutions.

Wiping with gauze: Some of the aged ones cannot perform brushing and rinsing exercises even with the help of others. Under such severe conditions, their teeth must be wiped with the help of damp gauze to remove the debris.

Electrical tooth brushes, Water irrigators, Interdental cleaners and Oral lubricants are some of the specially designed products that are good for elderly dental care.

Regular dental checkups: Regular visits to a dentist who is well experienced in treating elderly people would help in preventing the dental disorders.