Contents:
- Medical Video: Dental Advice : How to Clean Stained Teeth at Home
- Why do vulnerable elderly have toothless teeth?
- 1. Gum disease
- 2. Trauma
- 3. Teeth cracking habits
- 4. Certain medical conditions
- Tips on caring for teeth in old age so as not to quickly toothless
Medical Video: Dental Advice : How to Clean Stained Teeth at Home
Teeth can be easier to date as you get older if you smoke and you don't have enough dental hygiene. However, there is some other causes that in fact can also increase the risk of the elderly experiencing toothless teeth.Anything?
Why do vulnerable elderly have toothless teeth?
1. Gum disease
Gum disease or often called periodontitis is one of the main causes of easily dislodged elderly teeth. Periodontitis is a severe gum infection caused by a buildup of plaque, which is a sticky layer of bacteria that forms between teeth. It is this severe infection that then damages the tissues and bones in the gums.
Besides being able to cause dislodged teeth, bacteria in the gum tissue can also enter the bloodstream and attack other organs, such as the lungs and heart. This condition should not be taken lightly and must be treated immediately.
2. Trauma
Trauma caused by a hard impact or a blow that hits the mouth can result in tooth loss. Even though the impact does not directly cause the tooth to dislodge, the impact can cause serious tooth decay which eventually causes toothless tooth to be removed.
Trauma is often caused by an accident. However, dental trauma can also be triggered from daily habits, such as opening a bottle cap or plastic packaging using teeth, biting the tip of a pencil, chewing ice cubes, or using toothpicks as often as possible.
3. Teeth cracking habits
Some people may unconsciously clench their jaws and put teeth together while stressed or anxious. In medical terms, the habit is called bruxism. If done continuously, bruxism can cause worn out molars so that the teeth loosen from the gums and the supporting bones are destroyed.
The effect is not only that the teeth of the elderly are easily dislodged, while also increasing your risk of getting TMJ syndrome. TMJ syndrome is a disorder of the jaw joint that causes extreme pain, which can spread to the face and ears.
4. Certain medical conditions
Certain medical conditions actually contribute to the causes of tooth decay in old age. Medical conditions that can increase the risk of tooth loss include diabetes, osteomyelitis, high blood pressure, rheumatism, and autoimmune diseases.
According to the American Diabetes Association, people with diabetes have a higher risk of developing periodontitis gum disease. This is because diabetes affects your ability to fight bacteria that can cause gum infections. Gum disease can also affect blood sugar control in the body.
Tips on caring for teeth in old age so as not to quickly toothless
Routinely brushing teeth and flossing teeth are an important key to maintaining oral and dental health. In the elderly, plaque can form quickly in the teeth, especially if you do not maintain good oral hygiene. Not only can this increase the risk of tooth decay, but it can also cause gum disease which can eventually cause the teeth of the elderly to easily dislodge.
To maintain good oral health, it is important for everyone - regardless of age - to:
- Brushing your teeth at least twice a day (when you wake up in the morning and before going to bed) with toothpaste containing fluoride.
- Don't brush your teeth too hard. Not only can this cause the gums to tear, but it also erodes relatively thin tooth enamel. As a result, your teeth become more sensitive.
- Flossing teeth at least once a day.
- Avoid eating sweet foods. No need to stop consuming sugar at all to maintain healthy teeth and mouth. You only need to limit your consumption.
- Gargle with mouthwash containing antiseptic once or twice a day. According to the American Dental Association, the use of mouthwash containing antiseptics and antibacterials can reduce plaque-causing bacteria and gum disease.
- Routinely consult a dentist at least once every 6 months to clean teeth and check teeth as a whole.
