Tooth loss when old can be prevented by these 5 healthy principles

Tooth loss is a problem with oral health
experienced by many Indonesian people, especially for people who are elderly. Don't worry though. Tooth loss when you are old can be prevented in a number of easy ways that you can do from a young age.

What causes tooth loss in the elderly?

The causes of tooth loss are many. For example, because a cavity is badly damaged or because the gums and tissues around the tooth are infected (periodontal disease) so badly that it must be removed.

In addition, there are several other factors that increase the risk of tooth loss, such as poor dental hygiene, diabetes, and smoking and drinking alcohol habits. Head trauma, such as during a motorbike accident, can also cause teeth to fall out.

Especially in people who are elderly, their teeth can fall out on their own without any triggers. This is caused by natural aging, which causes the bones and tissues around the teeth to experience continuous thinning. As a result, the bone support is no longer strong enough so that the tooth falls off on its own or has to be pulled out.

At how old are the teeth in older people usually start to lose their teeth?

Tooth loss or loss can occur at any age. However, it generally starts at the age of 45-60 years.

According to the 2007 Basic Health Research, 17.6% of Indonesia's population aged 65 years and over no longer have teeth at all.

Apart from missing teeth, what other oral and dental health problems usually affect the elderly?

The risk of sensitive teeth, mouth sores, tartar, root problems, periodontal disease, and cancer in the oral cavity also increases with age. Older people are also prone to dry mouth because the production of saliva naturally decreases. This can increase other oral problems, such as bad breath and cavities.

These various risks are caused by the aging process which causes a decrease in organ function, the immune system, and the body's metabolism. In addition, the decreased mobility and cognitive function of the brain will also hinder the ability of the elderly to clean their teeth regularly. This is what can increase the risk of tooth loss in the elderly.

Does a toothless elderly person always have to wear dentures?

Yes. The use of dentures in the elderly is highly recommended. This is because even when you are old you still need your mouth and teeth to do your activities, for example eating and drinking and talking even though you are toothless. Even before old age, toothless teeth that are not replaced by dentures can make the body's aesthetic appearance less visible.

When you have lost a lot of teeth, the burden of chewing in the mouth becomes unbalanced. This will cause the other teeth that are still intact then move to the gums where there are no teeth. As a result, the teeth that change position will cause discomfort and pain in the jaw joint.

Moreover, the tooth marks that are toothless will also be hollow and tilted. This then risks becoming a build-up of dirt and food debris, which can increase the risk of gum infection. So, dentures are the right solution for elderly people who are already toothless, partially or completely. Good dentures can also keep your gums healthy.

Don't forget to remove your dentures before going to bed. Brush your teeth before and after removing the dentures. Then, clean the dentures with a soft-bristled toothbrush without toothpaste. Once clean, place the dentures in a sterile container filled with clean water. More about how to treat dentures.

If the denture does not feel comfortable, then immediately come to the dentist for repair.

Tips for caring for the remaining teeth when they are old

Dental care for the elderly is generally the same as dental care for adults and children. We have to maintain dental hygiene with a toothbrush 2 times a day and routinely go to the dentist every 6 months. The use of dental floss is highly recommended to clean the area between the teeth to reduce the risk of cavities and plaque buildup.

Using an antiseptic mouthwash is also highly recommended to reduce the risk of gingivitis and cavities. However, use an alcohol-free mouthwash to prevent dry mouth.

Elderly people still have to maintain a good diet to maintain healthy teeth and mouth. Expand fibrous foods and avoid sugary foods that can damage teeth. Also drink plenty of water to maintain body fitness and increase saliva production to maintain oral health.

What you can do from a young age to prevent tooth loss when you are old

Don't want to deal with toothless teeth when you get old? You can follow these four tips:

1. Always brush your teeth 2 times a day, in the morning and at night before going to bed.
2. Routinely check your teeth every 6 months to detect dental disease and clean tartar.
3. Immediately treat existing teeth and gum problems until they are completely healed. Allowing cavities to continue increases the risk that you will have to extract the tooth. Immediately get your problem tooth examined to the doctor.
4. Routine body health check. Loose and toothless teeth are often influenced by other triggers, such as diabetes or hypertension. So, routine health checks from a young age are very important to maintain a healthy body and teeth and mouth.
5. Avoid bad habits that can damage teeth such as smoking which is bad for gum tissue and other dental problems.

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