Adding life to teeth
Saturday, April 08, 2006
Dr Prabhakar G Diwan, who specialises in geriatric dentistry, recommends special care for ageing teeth and gums
Geriatric dentistry — dental care for seniors — is
new not only to lay people, but also to dental surgeons practising
in India. There is a greater sensitivity to this new branch of
dental science all over the world, and senior citizens are
flocking to exploit the benefits. It is essential therefore for
senior citizens to be aware of the effects of ageing on their
teeth and gums.
Changes in tooth structure: Teeth get worn
out. They decay, especially at the roots, become excessively
discoloured and are difficult to restore. Gums recede, exposing
the roots of the teeth. The mucus membrane in the mouth becomes
inflamed, causing ailments like stomatitis or glossitis. The mouth
tends to becomes dry with loss of taste. Also, pulp chambers — the
nerve tissues of teeth — shrink. Root canals get calcified,
causing teeth to weaken.
Oral problems due to prolonged
use of drugs: Medication for age-related ailments cause adverse
reactions in the mouth. Changes in the functioning of the heart,
liver and kidney, brought on by age, may affect drug distribution
in the body, metabolism and excretion, resulting in altered drug
levels in seniors.
Lack of knowledge and sensitivity in
the medical community: Many dentists are not aware of the oral
health problems of seniors.
Recommendations
All senior
citizens have different health problems. Some may suffer from
arthritis, while others have diminished vision because of
cataract. During dental treatments, these seniors need special
attention.
Access to the clinic should be easier for senior
citizens.
The waiting room should have seats which have
cushions that are not too soft, especially for senior patients who
suffer from arthritis.
Lighting in the clinic should not be too
dim.
The clinic staff should be courteous and respect the
elderly.
The design of the dental chair should be such that
sitting or getting up is not an ordeal for seniors.
Access to
the glass of water used for rinsing the mouth should also be easy.
The dentist should pack as much treatment into each sitting as
possible, so that senior citizens do not have to make several
visits.
The dental surgeon should not make diabetic patients
go without food for too long after any dental treatment. They may
develop hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar level).
For patients
with Parkinsons disease, care should be taken to make sure that
they do not swallow any unusual objects. This is essential because
those afflicted with Parkinsons do not have proper control on
their swallowing reflexes.
Dental surgeons should avoid asking
seniors any questions that may require them to stretch their
memory. It may cause irritation or depression.
Voices:
“I have learnt from my father that my
deterioration will commence with my teeth. Therefore, I have
always been extra careful to the point of being a hypochondriac.”
—Sivashankari S, 69, Chembur
“My wife had a tooth
infection which was ignored for long. It became septic and she
passed away due to subsequent complications. I have paid a heavy
price”
—Renoo Fernandez, 71, DombivliToothy know-how: Dr
Prabhakar G Diwan says many dentists are unaware of the dental
problems of the aged |
