Among the main effects of aging on the organism, changes in the oral cavity and thus in the surrounding tissues occupy a very important place. With aging comes an increase in tooth loss, a decrease in saliva flow rate, and weakness in the oral mucosa and muscles. These structural changes lead to changes in the chewing function of the elderly and therefore in their eating habits. The deterioration of nutrition prepares the ground for the development of a series of pathological changes. Therefore, changes in the structures of the mouth due to aging are of great importance for physicians. Medical doctors usually examine elderly patients more frequently (1-3 months) than dentists. Therefore, the role of medical doctors in maintaining oral health in the elderly is very important. In general, the oral changes thought to be related to aging are: – tooth loss – decreased salivary flow rate – atrophy of the oral mucosa and muscles – decreased taste sensation. Periodontal disease is a more effective factor in tooth loss in the elderly than dental caries. A significant proportion of the elderly population use removable dentures. These prostheses may lead to changes affecting both the appearance and integrity of the gingiva and surrounding tissues. All these factors may lead to chewing and therefore nutritional disorders in elderly individuals.
ORAL HYGIENE IN THE ELDERLY
Bacterial plaque is an attachment consisting of dense colonies of microorganisms organized in an organic layer covering the teeth and oral appliances. Plaque control, which is essential for oral health, is achieved through daily oral hygiene and periodic prophylaxis by the dentist.
Periodontal diseases and dental caries caused by bacterial plaque account for 95% of oral diseases in the elderly. Plaque control cannot be performed as well as in young people because of the loss of motor functions in the elderly due to decreased manual dexterity. In addition, root surfaces exposed as a result of gingival recession create suitable retention areas for plaque accumulation. As the periodontal tissues are exposed to bacterial plaque increases with advancing age, the body’s defense against plaque microorganisms becomes inadequate due to decreased immune system functions. This situation prepares a suitable ground for plaque accumulation. The decrease in saliva flow rate with age is another factor that increases plaque accumulation. In addition, factors such as inadequate preventive dental services, systemic diseases and malnutrition also negatively affect oral hygiene. The physical properties of the food intake also affect bacterial plaque accumulation. Plaque and calculus accumulation is higher in those who are fed a soft diet. In the elderly, chewing of food has become difficult due to high tooth loss and the use of removable prostheses. As a result, soft food consumption and therefore bacterial plaque accumulation increases. Elderly individuals should be evaluated and motivated every six months in terms of oral hygiene habits. However, patients with poor oral hygiene or systemic problems affecting the oral tissues should be seen at shorter intervals (1-3 months).
