Cavities in older people are not treated

The General Council of Dentists of Spain has warned that The demand for oral care in older people is very lowso that only one in four decayed teeth in this group of patients is treated, which means that the majority of caries lesions remain active.

Dentists have highlighted that the oral health of this group has improved in the last 25 yearsin line with the epidemiological surveys carried out by the Council, but they have pointed out that it remains “a clear pending issue.”

More than 7.5 million of people among 65 and the 80 years They are affected by cavities and some 2.5 million older people suffer from periodontal disease. Both pathologies are responsible for numerous tooth losses, which reduce the quality of life, cause pain and difficulties chewing. In fact, a 21% has severe tooth loss (16 missing teeth or more).

Furthermore, dentists have observed an important social gradient, with a greater presence of oral pathologies and fewer treatments in the elderly and younger. socioeconomic level. For example, the restoration index (proportion of treated teeth out of the total affected ones) is 41% in the high socioeconomic level group, descending to 18% low level.

The number of total edentulous people is 8.5% in those with lower purchasing power compared to 0.1% in those of high level. Regarding hygiene habits, they have warned that only one in two adults brushes their teeth twice a dayas recommended, and attendance at dental check-ups can also be improved.

The president of the General Council of Dentists and the Spanish Foundation, Oscar Castro Reinohas recalled that “A healthy mouth in the elderly patient contributes to their quality of lifeto their self-esteem and the control of their general health, by preventing possible systemic complications.

In this regard, he has pointed out the available evidence between deteriorated oral health and many pathologies such as Alzheimer’s disease, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, some respiratory pathologies and certain types of cancer.

How to take care of oral health

The General Council of Dentists and the Spanish Dental Foundation have recommended that older people brush their teeth with fluoridated toothpaste at least twice a day, in the morning and at night. A good brushing lasts two minutesincludes the gums and tongue, and can be done with a manual or electric toothbrush.

Experts have highlighted the importance of clean the areas between your teethpreferably at night, using dental floss or specific brushes called interdental brushes. After each brushing, the brush should be rinsed with water and dried. Besides, brushes should be changed every three monthsor sooner if the bristles become deformed or if you suffer from the flu or any other infectious disease.

If you wear removable prostheses, dentists have reminded you that they should be removed after each meal to clean them. They have also warned that antibacterial rinses, gels or sprays They should only be used if prescribed by a specialist.

Among other suggestions, they have focused on the importance of attend regular visits to the dentist; eat a healthy and balanced diet where vegetables, fruits, fish and olive oil predominate and sugar consumption is controlled; and avoid harmful substances such as tobacco and alcohol.

“Keeping a healthy mouth in the elderly is a priority. From the General Council of Dentists of Spain we advocate including basic dental benefits for, at least, low-income older adults. We endorse the WHO Bangkok declaration, which states that there is no health without oral health,” stressed Dr. Castro.