The frequency of dental problems shoots up in people over the age of 60. The most common oral ailments include gum disease, plaque and gingivitis, or gum recession. If left untreated, gum disease may result in tooth loss. It also increases the risk of stroke or heart attack.
5 Causes of Periodontal Diseases in Seniors
Diseases
Elders suffering from diabetes, cardiovascular diseases or other systemic disorders are more likely to suffer from oral diseases.
It would get worse if they have poor oral hygiene.
Medications
Seniors may use medications for heart condition, depression, etc,. These medicines may cause dry mouth, which could lead to gingivitis.
Unhealthy Habits
Smoking is one of the major periodontal disease causes. It forms tartar on the teeth. Smokers are likely to lose bone if the periodontal disease gets worse.
Other habits like not brushing or flossing will also lead to oral diseases.
Poor Nutrition
As you grow older, your appetite will decrease. This reduces your nutritional intake, which will give rise to critical symptoms of gum diseases.
Severe vitamin C deficiency can cause bleeding gums.
Hormonal Issue
Menopausal women experience hormonal imbalances. This makes them prone to periodontal disease.
Treatment Options to Consider
- Non-Surgical Treatments
- Root Planing
This procedure helps in smoothening the root surface and prevents further build-up of tartar and bacteria.
Root planing also removes bacterial by-products which cause gum inflammation and delay healing. It ensures that bacterial by-products don’t hinder the reattachment of the gum to the tooth surfaces.
- Oral Antibiotics
You can use oral or topical antibiotics like mouth rinses or gels to control bacterial infection. You can apply the antibiotic gel in the space between the gums and teeth.
It may be necessary to use oral antibiotics to eliminate infection-causing bacteria completely.
- Scaling
It removes the bacteria and tartar from the tooth surfaces and beneath the gums. Scaling can easily be done with dental instruments, ultrasonic device or a laser.
- Surgical Treatments
- Flap Surgery
During the flap surgery, the periodontist will make tiny incisions in your gums. Once a section of gum tissue can be lifted, it exposes the roots effective for root planing and scaling.
Since periodontitis causes bone loss, it may be necessary for the underlying bone to be recontoured. This has to be done before the gum tissue is sutured back in place.
- Soft Tissue Grafts
The orthodontist will remove a small portion of tissue from the roof of your mouth or donor source. It will then be attached to the affected gum site.
This procedure helps in reducing further gum recession and cover the exposed roots.
- Guided Tissue Regeneration
Guided tissue regeneration allows the regrowth of the bone destroyed by bacteria.
The dentist will place a piece of biocompatible fabric between the existing bone and your tooth. It will prevent unwanted tissue from entering the healing area, allowing the bone to grow back instead.
If you suffer from any periodontal issues or gum disease, consider the above-mentioned treatments. Develop a good oral hygiene routine to prevent oral diseases from getting worse.
