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https://www.ada.org/resources/ada-library/oral-health-topics/aging-and-dental-health

Blog Guiding Questions — Aging and Dental Health

1. Do you think poor oral health is an inevitable part of aging? Why or why not?
2. What oral health problems become more common as people age?
3. Are these problems caused directly by biological aging, or are other factors involved?
4. How can medications contribute to dry mouth in older adults?
5. Why does reduced saliva increase the risk of tooth decay?
6. How can health conditions such as diabetes or dementia affect oral health?
7. What surprised you most about the ADA article, and why?
   
   1) A common oral health problem that comes with aging is Xerostomia. Xerostomia is primarily an adverse effect of medications, which can lead to mucositis (ulcers and sores in the mouth), cracked lips, and a fissured tongue. Older patients with poor cognitive health will have difficulty managing medications, medical conditions, or other self-care, including dental hygiene.
   
   2) Most of these problems are influenced by various factors alongside biological aging. For example, patients with severe cognitive impairment, including dementia, are at an increased risk of oral infections and other problems because they are incapable of engaging in home oral care on their own. Communication during the dental appointment may also be challenging for older patients in general.
   
   3) Medications contribute to dry mouth in adults by preventing adequate saliva production in the salivary glands.
   
   4) Reduced saliva increases the risk of tooth decay because saliva washes away leftover food debris. Without it, food particles and plaque stick to the teeth. Additionally, saliva contains natural antibacterial compounds that keep cavity-causing germs under control. Less saliva lets these bacteria multiply quickly.
   
   5) Diabetes and dementia both come with a long list of medications that stunt the salivary glands. Additionally, dementia is a severe cognitive impairment that increases the risk of oral infections because the patient cannot take care of their oral hygiene.
   
   6) I was surprised by the fact that medication exacerbates dryness in the mouth. I wasn’t aware of the possible adverse effects of medication on the elderly, especially considering the elderly usually take more medication than the younger generation.
   
   7) I feel like poor oral health is preventable, ASSUMING the elderly person has access to the resources and healthcare needed to sustain oral health. For example, poor oral health could be prevented in those with Alzheimer’s through extensive care from a caretaker.