Dentists' Recommendation

Age-related dental problems: Partly due to deterioration in oral hygiene

From the age of 50, more teeth are lost as a result of inflamed gums than owing to caries. The cause is often deteriorating oral hygiene. In many cases, diminishing eyesight and restricted manual dexterity make thorough toothcleaning impossible. Illnesses and the associated medicinal treatment can have negative effects on the oral environment in older patients. It is still possible, however, to keep teeth and gums in a healthy condition up to a ripe old age with targeted oral hygiene.

As eyesight and manual dexterity decline, older people often clean their teeth less thoroughly. The result is increased plaque residues on the teeth. This plaque is the main cause of caries and inflammation of the gums.

Untreated inflammation of the gums (gingivitis) can often lead unnoticed to periodontal disease (periodontitis) which, if left unmanaged, can ultimately result in tooth loss. The latest figures clearly show that, from the age of 50, more teeth are lost as a result of inflammation of the gums than owing to caries. Moreover, scientific studies have indicated, that the consequences of periodontitis can also affect the whole body. In particular, a link has been established between gum disease and systemic illnesses (cardiovascular system, diabetes, the respiratory tract and the immune system). With increasing age the gums may also retract, leading to exposed dental necks. These become more susceptible to root caries, which develops much more rapidly than caries on dental enamel.

Altered dietary habits or regular medication are also frequently responsible for the oral disorders suffered by the elderly. A common side effect of drugs is reduced salivation, leading to dryness of the mouth. Saliva performs a variety of functions. It keeps the mouth generally moist. It neutralises the acid medium that forms in the mouth after eating and it helps remineralise the dental enamel. If the supply of saliva is suddenly reduced, susceptibility to caries and irritation of the oral mucosa are greatly increased. Thorough oral hygiene is therefore vital in senior citizens.

The right products include very soft toothbrushes, fluoride containing toothpaste and mouth rinse.

A combination of high-quality products with low abrasion of the tooth surface helps to maintain weakened gums healthy and to prevent gum problems.

Small glossary of gum issues

Gingivitis

Inflammation of the gums. Triggered by the metabolic products of bacteria (plaque) that colonise the gum margins. The principal signs of gingivitis are swelling and bleeding of the gums. To allow the inflammation to heal, as much of the bacterial plaque as possible must be removed. Microfine toothbrushes, fluoride toothpaste and mouthrinses can help combat plaque.

Periodontitis

Inflammatory destruction of the tissues that support the teeth (periodontium). If left untreated, periodontitis can lead to teeth loosening and, ultimately, teeth loss. It is caused by the presence of certain bacteria in plaque. In contrast with gingivitis (inflammation of the gums), the damage caused by periodontitis is not completely repairable, although the progression of the condition can be delayed by good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups with professional plaque removal.

Plaque

Tough coating that adheres to the tooth surfaces, primarily along the gum margins. Plaque consists largely of bacteria. 1 mg of wet plaque contains approx. 250 million bacteria. These are so small that they are only visible and identifiable under the microscope. Most of these bacteria are responsible for the production of tooth-damaging acids. Moreover, certain bacteria excrete substances that make the plaque coating sticky and strongly adherent. The plaque can be removed by mechanical means with a good toothbrush and interdental cleaning by interdental brushes or dental sticks.