Dental Health Magazine Dental Health Magazine Issue 7 | Page 30

Issue #7, September 2017
Issue #7, September2017
What you need to be aware of
1. Gum disease
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Article by
Dr Jacob John Chiremel Chandy
Faculty of Dentistry, University of Malaya
Many older adults have gum, or periodontal disease, caused by the bacteria in plaque, which irritate the gums and its
surrounding tissues that hold the teeth in place, making them swollen, red and more likely to bleed. One reason gum
disease is so widespread among adults is that it’s often a painless condition until the advanced stage. If left untreated,
gums can begin to recede from the teeth and form deepened spaces called pockets where food particles and more
plaque may collect. Advanced gum disease can eventually destroy the gums, bone and ligaments supporting the teeth
leading to tooth loss. Thinking gum disease is a normal part of aging is just one of a few myths worth correcting.
Gum disease can be prevented. With detailed brushing and flossing and regular professional cleanings by your dentist,
you can reduce your risk of developing gum disease as you age.
2. Tooth decay or Dental caries
Treating tooth decay in older adults can be complicated by the fact that many already have had significant dental work
— fillings, crowns, bridges, implants, etc. When a previously restored tooth develops new or secondary decay, saving
it can be more complicated, costly or even impossible. A common mistake most people make is to rely on pain as
an indication that a problem exists. Age-related changes within the tooth structure can reduce pain perception. Older
adults are at greater risk for root caries because of both increased gum recession that exposes root surfaces and
increased use of medications that produce dry mouth.
Prevention through dental caries risk assessment is a proactive way to strengthen teeth before they become weakened
or develop cavities.
3. Dry mouth
Dry mouth is the condition of decreased volume of saliva in the mouth.  Without enough saliva, chewing, eating,
swallowing and even talking can be difficult.  Dry mouth also increases the risk for tooth decay and gum disease
because saliva helps keep harmful germs in check. If you have dentures, dry mouth can make them uncomfortable,
causing sore spots on the gums and they may not fit well either.
Common causes of dry mouth include
The ageing population phenomenon is happening
globally. Malaysians aged 60 or above has been steadily
increasing over the past decades and is anticipated
to continue its upward trend. By 2040, one in five
Malaysians will be above the age of 60, and the country
would have already reached ageing nation status.
One of the most pressing unavoidable needs of our time is the growing health-care
needs of our older adults. With the growing demographic of older adults there is an ever
increasing need for care both in the community and in health-care facilities. A generation
ago, many adult patients thought that they would lose their teeth as they got older and full
dentures used to be the norm when they became edentulous. All of that has changed for
the better. Advancements in healthcare have not only resulted in people living longer but
also retaining more of their own teeth.
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Side effects of medicines. Hundreds of medicines can cause the salivary glands to produce less saliva.
Disease. Some diseases like Sjögren’s syndrome and HIV/AIDS can cause dry mouth.
Radiation therapy. The salivary glands can be damaged if they are exposed to radiation during cancer treatment.
Chemotherapy. Drugs used to treat cancer can make saliva thicker, causing the mouth to feel dry.
Nerve damage. Injury to the head or neck can damage the nerves that direct salivary glands to produce saliva.
Specific management would include saliva preservation, stimulation or substitution.
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