Fit & Proper: Advancing age should not weaken the teeth

Pankaj Dahiya is in his late 50s and has been a diabetic for over a decade. He is careful with his diet and regular with his medicine. Some months ago, when his teeth started feeling weak and loose, he thought it was because of age. He now avoids eating uncut fruit like apple and pear because he feel his ageing teeth are not up to it.

As people get on in years, they take it for granted that weakened gums and tooth loss are a part of the ageing process. This is a colossal misconception. Even in the golden years, it is possible to have a full set of teeth and healthy gums. All that it takes is a regular visit to the dentist.

Women, during menopause, experience a decrease in the hormone oestrogen, which is also a bone calcium regulating hormone. A diet poor in calcium may lead to weak bones, which causes teeth loss. Increasing calcium intake and periodic dental maintenance prevents this.

Medications taken for lifestyle diseases like diabetes or hypertension often cause dry mouth. Decrease in saliva leads to caries and eventually, tooth loss. Diabetics are also prone to gum diseases, which often start from plaque accumulation. Peripheral neuropathy (damage to or disease affecting nerves) in diabetics makes them less sensitive to pain, which can alert an individual about the onset of a disease. These gum infections are seldom noticed early when they are treatable. Unnoticed, gingivitis (gum infection) can progress to periodontitis (loss of attachment of tooth to the bone), leading to tooth fall. If these problems are detected early, they can be treated and tooth loss can be prevented. It is, therefore, deemed mandatory for diabetics to undergo a dental checkup and cleaning every six months.

Some dental infections can turn life threatening if not detected and treated at the right time. Oral health influences the overall health. Major diseases, both chronic and acute, are often diagnosed through oral examination.

And even if there is an unavoidable loss of tooth, they can be replaced permanently and almost identical to the natural teeth using new technologies like implants and bone morphogenetic proteins that stimulate stem cells.

If proper oral hygiene is maintained, it could eliminate the risk of painful and complicated conditions and procedures. Little preventive measures are all it takes to have a nice set of teeth, strong gums and good oral health, all through your life, whatever your age.

QUICK TIPS

• Brush and floss after every meal, especially before going to bed and in the morning. This will remove the remains and plaque that have built up through the day.
• For those who suffer from dry mouth, oral rinsing is necessary. Chew gum or hard candy as it makes the mouth moist.
• Having a balanced diet and avoiding sugary substances and carbonated drink will definitely help in the long run.
• Regular checkups are essential for older people. It will minimise tooth and gum problems later.

Cynthia Prabhu
Unit Head, Apollo White Dental, Chennai