Dentistry for Seniors
It has been estimated that by the year 2050, over 20% of the world’s population will be over the age of 80.
One of the greatest challenges facing the dental profession is meeting the needs of the ageing population. Many of these patients have, with our help, retained their teeth to an advanced age. However there are a number of problem areas facing the aging population as regards their dental needs:
Dry Mouth & Saliva: Saliva has the effect of lubrication, taste, healing, digestion, dilution, buffering of acids and tooth remineralisation. Medications that reduce anything from blood pressure, pain, hay-fever, fluid retention, asthma, all have the ability to reduce salivary flow resulting in decay.
Decay Rate: Previous gum recession exposes more root surfaces to potentially damaging effects of tooth decay. Root surface is softer than tooth enamel, and this combined with a reduction in salivary flow increases decay rate.
Manual dexterity: A reduction in effective cleaning due to arthritis and other age related problems increases the risk of dental decay.
Eye Sight: A reduction in vision increases the risk of dental decay due to poor cleaning. We are firm believers that if you cannot see it, you cannot clean it.
Heavily restored teeth: Teeth that have been heavily restored with a number of fillings are prone to fracture. Fracture of a tooth in the mouth may have dramatic effects, particularly if the tooth in question was a front tooth or a key support for a partial denture.
Mental Health: As the population age, so does the number of people suffering dementia. Current data suggests that the prevalence of dementia in the community varies from 1% in the 60-65year age bracket, increasing to 30%-50% in the over 85+ group.
These problems are increasingly likely to occur after the age of sixty years and the patient may live for another twenty or thirty years in a gentle medical and physical decline.
In order to minimise the effects of decay in the aging population, regular dental maintenance of all patients is recommended.
Nursing Homes: An Adelaide study showed oral disease was high in both existing and new residents. This study is supported by our observations that many residents of nursing homes have a degree of dental disease.
Often, the oral condition appears to be one of the last areas of the body to be looked at. Unfortunately, poor oral health is just as likely to cause debilitating disease requiring hospitalisation as many other medical conditions.
These problems are increasingly likely to occur after the age of sixty years and be compounded as mental and physical health declines.
In order to minimise the effects of decay in the aging population, regular dental maintenance of all patients is recommended.
