clinical focus
Keep decay at bay
Good oral hygiene becomes increasingly important as we age .
By Christine Morris
More than one in five Australian adults aged over 65 have no teeth , with most of this tooth loss caused by tooth decay and advanced gum disease . The ageing population is growing rapidly , and with the improvements that have occurred in oral health since the mid-20th century , we will see a trend towards more older adults keeping their natural teeth in the next few decades . They will require ongoing dental care to protect their teeth from oral diseases .
So , it ’ s especially important to be aware of conditions associated with ageing that can impact oral health , given a healthy mouth is an important part of general health .
The health of our mouth is integrally linked with our overall health , and there are simple steps that can be taken to ensure problems associated with ageing are reduced .
Oral health screening , referral and preventive advice are often not included in general health checks , discussions and patient education , and it ’ s time to address that disconnect given the impact poor oral health can have on a healthy lifestyle and self-esteem .
TAKING A CLOSER LOOK The two main diseases of oral health are tooth decay and gum disease . Both of these may cause tooth loss in older adults . Tooth loss may affect speech , nutrition and quality of life .
Tooth decay can occur at any stage of life . It is caused by frequently eating sugary foods and drinks . However , tooth decay can be stopped , reversed and prevented . Reducing the amount and frequency of sugary foods can prevent tooth decay , and brushing with fluoride toothpaste can reverse early signs of tooth decay .
Gum disease is very common , with mild forms affecting up to 20 per cent of the population . It is caused by a build-up of plaque , which is a sticky colourless film of bacteria that forms on the gumline and between the teeth . If it is not brushed off , the bacteria irritate the gums and cause inflammation .
Many adults suffer from a more serious form of gum disease called periodontitis . This may lead to tooth loss if not reversed . Recently , periodontitis has been found to have a number of overall health consequences , and has been linked to a number of systemic conditions such as diabetes , cardiovascular disease , rheumatoid arthritis , lung disease and kidney disease .
DID YOU KNOW ?
• More than one in five Australian adults aged over 65 have no teeth . Most of this tooth loss is caused by tooth decay and advanced gum disease . However , in the next few decades more people will maintain their teeth .
• Dry mouth ( reduction in protective saliva production ) is often caused by prescription and over-the-counter medications . It contributes to significant tooth decay and gum disease .
• Twenty-two per cent of Australian adults have moderate to severe periodontitis , which has implications for general health .
HOW TO PREVENT GUM DISEASE :
• Brush your teeth and gums twice a day with fluoride toothpaste , and ask your dentist or oral health professional if you are unsure of the best brushing techniques .
• Quit smoking .
• Some medications can cause problems with the mouth . Check with your doctor , pharmacist or dental professional about how to manage this .
• Sipping water and chewing sugar free gum may help manage dry mouth .
• Use dental floss to clean in between your teeth .
• Go for regular dental checkups , especially if you have diabetes , as this can increase your risk of gum disease .
• Getting treatment early can help save teeth that are at risk from gum disease and other conditions . See your dentist or oral health professional urgently if you have swollen or bleeding gums . ■
Christine Morris is a public health consultant and founding member of the Oral Health Advisory Panel . OHAP is a group of independent healthcare professionals with the aim of raising awareness of the importance of good oral health and its impact on general wellness . The panel aims to take oral health beyond the dental clinic .
28 agedcareinsite . com . au