Oral health is well known
With the intensification of the aging trend of the population, the oral health problems of the elderly are increasingly concerned. Among them, dental caries, as one of the common oral diseases of the elderly, not only brings inconvenience to their daily life, but also may affect the overall health. So, what are the characteristics and harms of dental caries in the elderly? And how can we prevent it?
1. Characteristics of dental caries in the elderly
High morbidity: The incidence of dental caries is significantly increased in the elderly due to reduced saliva production, decreased oral self-cleaning ability, and tooth wear.
Rapid development: Tooth decay tends to develop faster in older people than in younger people, and if it is detected, it is often more severe.
Special location: Tooth decay in the elderly mostly occurs on the neck and root surface of the teeth, which are not easy to clean and are more susceptible to bacterial erosion.
There are many accompanying symptoms: when the elderly suffer from dental caries, they are often accompanied by symptoms such as tooth sensitivity and gum recession, which brings certain difficulties to the elderly.
2. The harm of dental caries in the elderly
Affects chewing function: Tooth decay can lead to the destruction of hard tissue of teeth, causing teeth to lose their normal chewing function, affecting the digestion and absorption of food.
Oral diseases: If tooth decay is not timely, it may cause oral diseases such as pulpitis and apical periodontitis, which will bring greater suffering to the elderly.
Aggravation of systemic diseases: Oral infections may cause or aggravate systemic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, posing a threat to the life and health of the elderly.
Affect mental health: Oral problems such as tooth loss and decay may affect the self-confidence and social activities of the elderly, leading to psychological problems such as anxiety and depression.
3. How to prevent tooth decay in the elderly
Enhance awareness of oral health care: The elderly should recognize the importance of oral health, have regular oral examinations, and detect and deal with oral problems in a timely manner.
Keep your mouth clean: Brush your teeth morning and evening, and use tools such as dental floss and interdental brushes to clean between your teeth to reduce the growth of bacteria.
Eat wisely: Reducing sugar intake and eating more fiber-rich foods can help clean the surface of your teeth. At the same time, pay attention to calcium and vitamin D supplementation to enhance the strength of your teeth.
Use fluoride toothpaste: Fluoride can enhance the resistance of teeth to caries, and the elderly should choose fluoride toothpaste for daily oral care.
Timely repair of tooth defects: Tooth defects or wear and tear that have already occurred should be repaired in a timely manner** to restore the normal shape and function of the teeth.
The problem of dental caries in the elderly cannot be ignored, it is not only related to oral health, but also closely related to the health of the whole body. We can effectively prevent the occurrence and progression of dental caries in the elderly by enhancing oral health awareness, keeping the mouth clean, eating a reasonable diet, using fluoride toothpaste, and repairing tooth defects in a timely manner. I hope that every middle-aged and elderly friend can have healthy teeth and enjoy a happy old age.
In addition to the precautions mentioned above, seniors can protect their dental health by: regular cleaning** to remove tartar and plaque; Use mouthwash to help clean the mouth; Choose the right oral health care products under the advice of your doctor. Remember, every older person's oral condition is unique, so it's best to develop a personalized oral health care plan after a professional examination and evaluation.