Oral health problems that are more common in aged people
The higher number of years when we become old bring maturity, knowledge and some health disorders. Right? Apart from grey hair and wrinkles, many older adults have one or more than one missing tooth. You might have seen that. The missing teeth and other oral discomforts are common in senior citizens because aging is effective to compromise dental health as well as the immune system.
Likewise, the medications and other age-related problems like digestive disorders in elder people also persuade various oral health problems. Some of them are explained in this post.
Table of Contents
Common Dental Problems in Older People
1)Oral Pain
Pain in the oral region, for instance, toothache is a common dental issue occurring in people of all age groups. Even though it dissipates on its own time over time, senior adults require medical attention for such oral pain. This is because such chronic pain in the tooth may be a warning signal of harmful dental conditions in the underlying regions like Occlusal trauma.
2) Tooth Decay
Teeth decay or dental caries is a common dental issue which makes the bacteria to degrade a tooth. Similar to tooth pain, decayed tooth also occurs in people of all age range. Dentists reveal that older adults are at higher risk of tooth caries and it is important to minimize the consumption of food items, drinks and beverages with sugary substances.
3) Gum Diseases
Gum disease or Periodontal disease is often a problem in aged persons. It begins from bacteria in the thin biofilm of plaque formed on teeth and gum surfaces. As older people are less concern about their dental care, they are highly vulnerable to gum infection.
It can also be induced with non-dental conditions like diabetes and worsen with habits like smoking. If it is left untreated, it will lead to tooth loss and progress to infect the bone in the underlying jaw.
4) Tooth Discoloration
Discolored or stained teeth are highly seen in elder people. It is because of the dental health compromised with aging. When we age, our teeth enamel begins to wear down and bring a yellow colored look to the teeth. It also seems a typical thing for senior adults, but it may be a sign of infected blood vessels in a tooth.
If a tooth’s blood vessels are infected, then the tooth cannot get nutrients to do regular tasks including cleaning. It will make the tooth look darker. Hence dental consultation along with cutting down the dark-colored beverages, stain-causing snacks are essential to get rid of this problem.
5) Dry Mouth
This happens when the salivary flow inside the mouth is diminished. In such cases, the bacteria inside the mouth begins to breed and cause various dental discomforts including bad breath, teeth decay, etc.
Dental Care Professionals reveal that not all aged persons are suffering from Xerostomia (Bad Breath). People who undergo radiation therapy have higher chances of mouth dryness. Side effects of certain medications, anxiety, high blood pressure also cause dry mouth.
6) Root Decay
When the gums are infected, they began to recede that end in gum abscess and make the underlying tooth regions including root are visible. If the root of a tooth is exposed to foreign objects and acidic substances present in drinks or foods we eat, it will cause decay to the tooth.
7) Denture-induced Stomatitis
Denture teeth fixed to restore the missing teeth also cause oral complications for senior people. Older adults who are using dentures have higher chances of ill-fitting dentures. Such mobility of denture teeth inside the mouth will lead to plaque build up with fungus called Candida underneath the prosthetic appliance, irritate and inflame the gum tissues,
Conclusion
Poor oral care in older people is worse to affect the immune system, weight, self-esteem and other important factors along with dental health. Hence the aged people should care their mouth by cut down certain food items, maintain proper oral hygiene along with regular dental visits.
