NEW YORK, Oct 11 (Reuters Health) -- Looks like it's time for toothpaste commercials to start featuring grandparents instead of little kids. According to a report presented Sunday at the annual meeting of the American Dental Association, seniors now get more cavities than children, and have a host of other dental health issues besides.
"In just one generation, we have advanced from the majority of seniors having lost all their teeth to the present day when the vast majority have been able to retain some or all of their natural teeth," stated Dr. Randy Huffines of the Quillen Medical Center in Tennessee. Huffines discussed the challenges of treating elderly dental patients in a presentation delivered at the meeting, taking place in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Because seniors are keeping their teeth, dentists are seeing increasing numbers of problems such as cavities and root decay in this age group. Receding gum tissue, which affects over 95% of seniors, exposes the roots of teeth and makes them more vulnerable to decay and infection. Overall, seniors now have three times more tooth decay than children.
Many of the medications commonly taken by older patients decrease the production of saliva, which Huffines described as "the body's natural defense against cavities." In addition, many seniors do not get enough fluoride, because they either drink bottled water or use water purifiers that remove fluoride along with other chemicals.
Huffines also noted that many older people find oral hygiene more difficult because of physical disabilities.
Seniors who wear dentures need regular dental check-ups just as much as those with their natural teeth, Huffines stated, to insure the continued health of the oral tissues and make sure dentures are properly fitted.
Many seniors are afraid of dentists, and Huffines called on dental professionals to address such phobias in regular visits so they can provide appropriate care.
