Dental decay is one of the most common problems seen in people of almost all age groups. According to a recent survey, aged people are especially prone to dental decay. The reason behind this can be the lack of oral hygiene due to laxity shown in carrying out oral hygiene measures. The difficulty in gaining access to a dental office can also be one of the reasons for an increased incidence of dental decay in aged people. Prevention of dental caries in aged people is extremely important, as the healing capacity and immunity of the body reduces with age. Tooth decay can lead to extensive problems with major consequences if left unattended. Aged people, or older adults, as we say, should be all the more careful about their teeth and overall health as well, because it takes a longer time in general to get healed from any common ailment.

Another reason for the increased incidence of dental decay in aged people can be the decrease in the salivary flow. With age, many of them develop the problem of dry mouth. It can come as a side effect of the various drugs consumed by an older adult, for various ailments like hypertension or diabetes. Reduced salivary flow reduces the cleansing effect of saliva, and increases the tendency for deposition and calcification. Dental caries on the root surface is commonly found in aged people. The root surface gets exposed as the gum line recedes away from the teeth.

Steps for prevention of tooth decay are simple, and should be carried out in a routine, regular manner. They are as follows:

  • Brushing of teeth twice daily with fluoridated toothpaste: It is quite easy to provide instructions, but difficult to practice the same. Good oral hygiene prevents food deposits from becoming calcified and getting attached to the tooth surface. When the food debris gets washed off, the breath also remains fresh and pleasant. Brushing before going to sleep is important, because it provides protection to the teeth at the time of reduced salivary flow.
  • Flossing daily: The food particles trapped in between the teeth can be removed by the process of flossing. Generally, with increasing age, some amount of spacing appears so the food particles will not be trapped as much as before. Floss can be run through the tight contacts.
  • Water fluoridation is a good preventive measure for people of all age groups. A survey has shown that the aged people who use fluoridated water for their day-to-day activities have a greater number of teeth retained than those who use plain un-fluoridated water.
  • The correct method of brushing can prevent tooth decay: Most of us have a habit of brushing in the horizontal direction, as it is easier and quicker. This leads to wearing away of tooth structure, especially at the interface of gums and teeth. Initially, there is only a wedge shaped defect. Later, these can get further worn off to expose the nerve fibers, causing tooth sensitivity. If brushing is done by moving the bristles of the toothbrush in vertical direction, the food debris is cleaned off easily, and the gums also get stimulated.

Contact a dentist or dental hygienist at Water Brook Dental in Washington DC for a dental check-up and other dental needs. Water Brook Dental has two locations in Washington DC. The Columbia Heights location is very  conveniently located to Downtown DC, Northeast DC, Adams Morgan, Dupont Circle, Logan Circle, U-Street Corridor, Mount Pleasant and many other parts of Washington. The Eastern Ave NW location is conveniently located to Downtown Silver Spring, Takoma Park MD, Silver Spring MD, Colesville, and other parts of Maryland as well as Northern Virginia and other parts of Virginia.