Advancing age puts many seniors at risk for a number of oral health problems, such as:
1.Stained teeth - They are caused due to some extent by changes in dentin ,the bone-like tissue that underlies the tooth enamel and by a lifetime of consuming stain-causing foods and beverages. Also caused by thinning of the outer enamel layer that lets the darker yellower dentin show through. A darkened tooth or teeth may be a sign of a more serious problem and should be checked by dentist.
2.Dry mouth - It is caused by reduced saliva flow, which can be a result of cancer treatments that use radiation to the head and neck area, as well as certain diseases, such as Sjögren's syndrome, and due to side effects of some medicines. Many medicines can be a cause of dry mouth like medicines for allergies or asthma, high blood pressure, anxiety, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. Here are some common recommendations to avoid dry mouth:
⇝ Use over-the-counter oral moisturizers, such as a spray or mouthwash.
⇝ Consult with your physician on whether to change the medication or dosage.
⇝ Drink more water. Carry a water bottle with you, and don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink. Your mouth needs constant lubrication.
⇝ Use sugar-free gum or lozenges to stimulate saliva production.
⇝ Get a humidifier to help keep moisture in the air.
⇝ Avoid foods and beverages that irritate dry mouths, like coffee, alcohol, carbonated soft drinks, and acidic fruit juices.
⇝ Visit a dentist for application of fluoride gel or varnish to protect your teeth from cavities.
3.Diminished sense of taste - While advancing age impairs the sense of taste, diseases, medications, and dentures can also contribute to this sensory loss.
4.Root decay - This is caused by exposure of the tooth root to decay-causing acids. The tooth roots become exposed as gum tissue recedes from the tooth. Roots do not have any enamel to protect them and are more prone to decay than the crown part of the tooth.
5.Gum disease - Caused by plaque and made worse by food left in teeth, use of tobacco products, poor-fitting bridges and dentures, poor diets, and certain diseases, such as anemia, cancer, and diabetes, this is often a problem for older adults.
6.Tooth loss - Gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss.
7.Uneven jawbone - This is caused by tooth and then not replacing missing teeth. This allows the rest of the teeth to drift and shift into open spaces
8.Denture-induced stomatitis - Ill-fitting dentures, poor dental hygiene, or a buildup of the fungus Candida albicans cause this condition, which is inflammation of the tissue underlying a denture.
9.Thrush - Diseases or drugs that affect the immune system can trigger the overgrowth of the fungus Candida albicans in the mouth.
