September 20th of this year is the 35th National Teeth Love Day, with the promotion theme of "oral health, overall health". This morning, the Shanghai Municipal Health Commission launched a themed promotional activity, which revealed that according to the fourth national oral health epidemiological survey data, the periodontal health rate of elderly people aged 65-74 in Shanghai is only 7
September 20th of this year is the 35th National Teeth Love Day, with the promotion theme of "oral health, overall health". This morning, the Shanghai Municipal Health Commission launched a themed promotional activity, which revealed that according to the fourth national oral health epidemiological survey data, the periodontal health rate of elderly people aged 65-74 in Shanghai is only 7.9%, and the caries rate of permanent teeth is as high as 94.3%.
Oral diseases are one of the highest prevalence chronic diseases and have become a major challenge to global public health. The World Health Organization reports that nearly half of the global population suffers from oral diseases. Oral diseases are closely related to overall health. Infection and inflammatory factors in the oral cavity will aggravate chronic diseases such as cardio cerebrovascular diseases, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, etc. Common oral diseases such as dental caries and periodontal disease not only affect chewing, speech, aesthetics, and other functions, but also cause social communication difficulties and psychological barriers.
Oral diseases have a more severe impact on the elderly population, which can significantly reduce the quality of life of the elderly. The aging population in this city is highly aging, and the oral health issues of the elderly cannot be ignored. Many years ago, Shanghai has included "carrying out oral health management for the elderly, strengthening the filing and management of oral health for elderly patients with chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes, and promoting comprehensive prevention and treatment services for oral diseases of the elderly" in the Healthy Shanghai Action (2019-2030). Based on multiple rounds of the "three-year action plan to strengthen the construction of the public health system in Shanghai", we have organized and implemented projects such as complete denture restoration for impoverished elderly people, and optimization of the "one old and one young" oral health service model to promote the improvement of the oral health status of the elderly. At the same time, extensive oral health education activities for the elderly will be carried out, and optimization of oral health examinations will be explored in conjunction with physical examinations for the elderly.
Persist in brushing teeth in the morning and evening, and use interdental cleaning tools
Aging is not an inevitable pattern. As long as elderly people still have teeth in their mouths, they should brush their teeth every morning and evening, and brushing their teeth before going to bed at night is more important. When brushing teeth, do not vigorously brush horizontally to avoid damaging teeth and gums.
Elderly people need to choose adjacent cleaning tools based on the size of their teeth gaps. For those with insignificant gingival atrophy, dental floss can be used. For those with gingival atrophy and obvious gaps, they can choose a dental gap brush and choose different models based on the size of the gaps. When using, do not force the brush to enter to avoid damaging the gums.
Dentures also need to be thoroughly cleaned every day
Whether dental implants, fixed dentures, or removable dentures, they all require daily cleaning and maintenance just like natural teeth. Implant teeth and fixed dentures cannot be removed and worn, as there may be food residue and bacteria left around. It is necessary to brush teeth and use interdental brushes and dental impactors in conjunction.
Active dentures need to be removed and cleaned after each meal, and cleaned with a soft bristle brush. Before going to bed, remove the movable denture and soak it in cold water, or soak it in denture cleaner. The next morning, rinse it with clean water before wearing it.
Local use of fluoride, reasonable diet, and prevention of root caries
Elderly people often have gingival atrophy and exposed roots. Due to reduced saliva and inadequate cleaning, root caries, also known as root caries, is one of the common oral diseases in the elderly.
To prevent root caries, local fluoride application methods can be used, such as brushing teeth with fluoride toothpaste and regularly going to the hospital for dental fluoride application; Eat a reasonable diet, control the total and frequency of sweet food intake, and eat more fresh vegetables and fruits. Root caries should be treated promptly.
Pay attention to gum bleeding and tooth loosening to prevent periodontal disease
Periodontal disease is the main cause of tooth loss. If teeth are not cleaned properly, there may be plaque accumulation, which over time can lead to gingival inflammation, alveolar bone resorption, tooth loosening, and ultimately detachment.
If the elderly have problems such as gum redness, swelling, bleeding, oral odor, loose and displaced teeth, they need to be vigilant, seek timely medical attention, actively treat periodontal diseases, and try to preserve natural teeth.
Extract teeth that cannot be retained and promptly repair missing teeth
If elderly people have teeth that cannot be preserved, such as residual crowns, roots, or particularly loose teeth, they should be removed in a timely manner. Otherwise, it may affect oral function in mild cases, cause systemic infections in severe cases, and affect quality of life.
Elderly people with missing teeth need to be repaired in a timely manner to maintain the integrity of the dentition and restore basic oral function. Generally, restoration is carried out 2-3 months after tooth extraction. The methods for repairing missing teeth include active restoration, fixed restoration, and implant restoration.
Pay attention to changes in oral mucosa to prevent the occurrence of oral cancer
Elderly people are at a high risk of oral mucosal diseases. They should pay attention to changes in the oral mucosa and seek timely medical attention if they discover ulcers that have not healed for more than two weeks in the oral cavity, as well as abnormal manifestations such as induration, white or red plaques in the oral mucosa. If the oral mucosa is subjected to long-term adverse stimulation or has a habit of smoking and drinking, it is easy to develop oral leukoplakia or even oral cancer. Therefore, early prevention should be taken, smoking and drinking habits should be avoided, and betel nut chewing should be avoided.
Conduct an annual oral health check and clean your teeth at least once a year
The incidence of oral diseases in the elderly is high, the development speed is fast, and the ability to self repair is weak. Therefore, elderly people need to undergo at least one oral health examination every year, and it is recommended to clean their teeth once a year, which is beneficial for early detection and treatment of oral diseases. Doctors will also take appropriate preventive measures based on the situation to prevent and control the development of oral diseases.
Source: Author: Gu Yong
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