Oral Care for Adult

General oral issues faced by adult :

Although elderly people face a barrage of oral issues, there are some specific teeth and gum problems that they’ll need to be cautious about. Following are some universal dental problems that most seniors have to put up with.

Tooth decay : Tooth decay is the most widespread of all oral ailments that adult are plagued with. Plaque which builds up in our teeth reacts with the starches (carbohydrates) in the food condiments to produce acids which steadily erode the enamel leading to cavities and tooth decay.

Dryness of mouth : Dryness of mouth is another annoying irritant in adult that results in mouth getting parched as the capacity of the salivary glands to release saliva decreases with age. Continuous flow of saliva is very important to keep the mouth moist and fight bacteria. Salivary flow is self-cleansing for teeth as well.

Tooth loss : Tooth loss in adults is very common that might result from a multiplicity of dental or oral problems like gum disease, tooth decay, tooth erosion.

Gum or periodontal disease : Gum or periodontal disease causes infection in gums on which the teeth are embedded and has also been known to trigger heart attacks or strokes. Periodontal disease is a serious ailment that leads to gingivitis as well as periodontitis. Gum disease is also one major cause of tooth loss in elders.

Receding or eroding gums : Receding or eroding gums occur as a result of loss of gum tissue. Owing to the wear and tear associated with brushing of the teeth over the years, the gums which act as a protective sheath, suffer erosion and make the teeth vulnerable to infections.

Teeth sensitivity : Teeth sensitivity afflicts many adults and is experienced as a tingling sensation in the teeth when one takes hot tea or coffee, iced drinks, ice-cream or sweets. When teeth become exposed due to the abrasion of dentin, teeth sensitivity is acutely felt. Seniors also suffer from other dental problems and disorders like halitosis, oral pre-cancers and cancer, mouth ulcers and sores, tooth erosion and so on.

Continuous wear and tear and exposure to the elements cause the teeth to become fragile and brittle that makes chewing and swallowing food difficult leading to indigestion. Owing to fragility and brittleness of teeth, and wearing away of gums, the mouth becomes susceptible or vulnerable to several infections both chronic and seasonal.

Smoking, side effects of certain medication, systemic diseases, ill-fitting dentures, bridges, and implants, unhealthy diets, and stain causing foods and beverages lead to tooth decay and loss. Other major problems are dry mouth (xerostomia), gingivitis, periodontitis, root decay, halitosis, and tooth sensitivity. Apart from ageing, specific degenerative medical conditions like arthritis, rheumatism, osteoporosis and Parkinson’s disease affect one’s ability of using the hands or fingers for brushing the teeth properly. One is also not able to floss their teeth or tongue properly.