Oral health directly affects the overall health and quality of life of the elderly. The incidence of oral diseases among the elderly is higher than that among the young. So why is the incidence of oral diseases among the elderly higher? How can the elderly maintain oral health?

With the changes of physiological aging, the elderly are prone to various oral diseases. Especially for teeth, due to decades of chewing wear and tear, the enamel (commonly known as enamel) on the tooth surface has been largely worn down, the physiological tooth tips have been flattened, and the gums have receded, making them more prone to various dental diseases.

Dental caries: Due to the difficulty in maintaining oral hygiene among the elderly, food is prone to remain in their mouths. Coupled with tooth wear and exposed tooth roots, the incidence of dental caries among the elderly is relatively high. Sometimes, it is also more common at the cervical area of the teeth and exposed tooth roots.

Periodontal disease: Periodontal disease is more common and more severe among the elderly. This is because the elderly, due to the long-term use of their teeth, periodontal tissues and alveolar bone, as well as the aging of the body, undergo changes, which can easily lead to food impaction, occlusal trauma and make it difficult to maintain local hygiene. In addition, overall physical conditions change with age, such as diabetes and arteriosclerosis, which can lead to periodontal abscess and acute and chronic inflammation, resulting in loose and fallen teeth.

Tooth sensitivity (dentin hypersensitivity) : It mainly involves allergic reactions to cold and hot foods, sweet and sour foods, beverages, etc., causing discomfort and soreness.

Tooth defect and loss: As people age, more and more teeth are missing. Tooth loss directly leads to a decline in chewing function, pronunciation disorders, affects facial appearance and the function of oral tissues, as well as the function of the temporomandibular joint, etc. If dentures are worn for a long time after tooth loss and oral hygiene is not paid attention to, there is a possibility of developing denture stomatitis.

The various diseases mentioned above can be one or multiple diseases coexisting simultaneously. The symptoms can be mild or severe. In any case, not only do local symptoms cause pain, but they also affect overall health. Therefore, measures should be taken as early as possible to actively prevent and control it. Brush teeth correctly, repair lost teeth in time, and avoid "stuck teeth"...

Correct tooth brushing: Choose a health toothbrush and appropriate toothpaste. Brush your teeth in the morning and evening every day. If possible, brush your teeth after each meal. Choose the correct brushing method, namely the Bass brushing method, also known as the horizontal vibration method.

When brushing the lips and tongue of your teeth, hold the bristles at a 45-degree Angle to the tooth surface, with the bristle tips pointing towards the tooth roots, allowing the bristles to reach the grooves and interproximal areas. Some bristles are pressed against the edge and tremble in place. This brushing method not only cleans the soft deposits between teeth and in the adjacent areas, but also has the effect of massaging the gums.

It is also recommended that the elderly use fluoride toothpaste for a long time, and those with sensitive teeth should choose desensitizing toothpaste.

Regular check-ups and regular oral hygiene: Have regular oral health check-ups at least once a year. Regular teeth cleaning is the most fundamental, effective and important step in preventing and treating periodontal diseases.

It should be particularly noted that people with bleeding disorders, those in the acute stage of inflammation of local soft and hard tissues in the oral cavity, and those with electronic devices such as pacemakers in their bodies should not have their teeth cleaned.

Avoid "stuck teeth" : Try to avoid using rough toothpicks to clean your teeth. Brush and rinse your mouth immediately after each meal, and use dental floss or interdental brushes to remove the missing teeth. Go to the hospital in time to repair the missing teeth and extract the loose teeth that have no retention value.

Timely restoration of lost teeth: Missing teeth should be restored promptly. Teeth have functions such as chewing food, assisting in pronunciation and maintaining facial shape.

After teeth are lost, the balance of the entire oral cavity will be disrupted. If not repaired in time, it often leads to problems such as the teeth on both sides of the missing tooth tilting and shifting, the gap between the missing teeth gradually shrinking, the opposing teeth elongating, the local occlusal relationship disordered, the decline of chewing function, food impaction, dental caries, and periodontal damage.

Tooth loss can also affect one's appearance, especially for those who have no teeth at all. Therefore, tooth loss can seriously affect a patient's social activities and easily lead to corresponding psychological disorders. Missing teeth can also lead to unclear speech.

To restore facial appearance, improve pronunciation and aesthetics, enhance chewing function, and maintain the integrity of the oral and maxillofacial system, it is necessary to promptly repair lost teeth with dentures (false teeth).

Maintenance of dentures: Wear dentures in a timely manner and have them modified and adjusted regularly. Dentures should be cleaned promptly after each meal. Before going to bed at night, dentures should be removed, cleaned and soaked in clean water. Do not use hot water or chemical agents (such as 84 alcohol, alcohol, etc.) to prevent the dentures from deforming.