The World Health Organization has proposed the "8020 Plan" - at least 20 functional teeth at the age of 80. As long as you can maintain correct oral hygiene habits, have regular dental check-ups, and detect problems in time**, healthy teeth can accompany you for life.
Something is wrong with your teeth
Other organs can also be affected
The oral problems of the elderly are closely related to systemic diseases, and dental problems will seriously affect the physical health and quality of life of the elderly.
Tooth decay – may induce cardiovascular and cerebrovascular problemsAs older people age, their hands and feet are less flexible than they used to be, so it becomes more difficult to maintain oral hygiene, leading to a much higher rate of caries. In addition, due to tooth wear and root exposure, the teeth of the elderly are also more susceptible to decay. If left unattended for a long time, it will lead to tooth loss, food impaction, severe pain when caries develops into pulpitis, and patients with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases may even induce acute myocardial infarction and cerebral infarction. Bacteria in the mouth can also cause endocarditis.
Loose teeth – a burden on the digestive systemMost loose teeth are caused by periodontal disease. Periodontal refers to the tissues around the teeth, and periodontal disease mainly includes gingivitis and periodontitis. The most obvious features of gingivitis are red, swollen gums and bleeding from tooth brushingPeriodontitis affects the alveolar bone, just like soil erosion of trees, which will gradually loosen and fall out of teeth, which is also the main cause of tooth loss in the elderly. Loose teeth can affect the eating of the elderly, reduce chewing efficiency, and then increase the burden on the digestive system. People with diabetes are more susceptible to periodontal disease and are also susceptible to infections. In addition, the detection rate of Helicobacter pylori in plaque in periodontitis patients is also significantly higher than that in periodontal healthy patients, and Helicobacter pylori is an important genogen in chronic gastritis and peptic ulcer.
Tooth sensitivity – an early warning of a weakened toothWhen the tooth is stimulated by a physiological range such as mechanical, chemical, temperature, etc., there will be temporary pain or discomfort, which is called tooth sensitivity. Some elderly patients experience discomfort in their teeth when they eat sweet and sour foods, or when they brush their teeth and rinse their mouths. Because with age, the hardest layer of tissue on the tooth surface gradually wears away, or the root surface of the tooth is exposed due to gum recession, and the more sensitive parts of the tooth are more likely to be exposed, and various external stimuli will cause discomfort.
Some older people have more severe tooth wear and tear, which not only causes tooth sensitivity, but can also disrupt the adjacency between teeth, leading to food impactionSome teeth develop sharp edges due to wear and tear, which can damage the tongue and buccal mucosa, causing traumatic ulcers, temporomandibular joint disease, and even oral cancer.
Missing teeth – abnormal oral and jaw function, prone to accidental swallowingWhen the elderly have tooth decay, periodontitis, and tooth wear, if not timely**, it may lead to the loss or extraction of the affected tooth. After missing teeth, the teeth at both ends of the gap will slowly tilt towards the gap, widening the gap between the teeth, which can easily embed food debris, breed bacteria, and damage the teeth and gums. Missing teeth will not only affect the pronunciation and appearance of the elderly, but also seriously affect daily eating, reduce chewing efficiency, affect oral and jaw function, and even lead to food or dentures swallowed by mistake, which is life-threatening.
Maintain oral health
These points need to be done well
Keep your mouth cleanOlder people should brush their teeth every morning and evening for at least 3 minutes each time. Brushing your teeth not only removes food debris and dirt from your mouth, but also massages your gums and promotes periodontal blood circulation. It is important to note that gargling is not a substitute for brushing teeth, just as rinsing with water while brushing dishes is not a substitute for mechanical friction.
In addition, the elderly should have an oral examination every 6 to 12 months and have their teeth cleaned regularly.
Keep exercising your teethThere are many ways to exercise your teeth, and percussion is one of the simple and effective methods. With the increase of age, the function of masticatory muscles gradually declines, and the elderly can gently percussion 100 200 times before getting up in the morning and before going to bed at night.
Repair missing teeth in a timely mannerWhen there is a tooth defect, it should be repaired in time to avoid the gradual expansion of the defectIf there is a missing tooth, you should go to the hospital in time to repair the missing tooth, restore the chewing function, and avoid the displacement of adjacent teeth.
Quit smoking and limit alcohol to live a healthy lifeTobacco and alcohol can increase the risk of oral problems such as oral cancer, tooth discoloration, periodontal disease, etc. Adopting healthy lifestyle habits contributes to oral and general health.
:Caesar.
*: Healthy China.