The Singapore Family Physician

Back to issue Vol 37 No. 1 - Oral Health in Primary Care

Ageing and its Influence on the Oral Environment

Hilary Thean
Wong Mun Loke
The Singapore Family Physician Vol 37 No 1 - Oral Health in Primary Care
19 - 20
0377-5305
Failing oral health is not a natural function of age and it is possible for one to have a healthy set of teeth and gums to last a lifetime. Ageing exerts physiological changes in the oral environment predisposing the elderly to dental problems. Root caries is common in the elderly population especially since more of them are retaining their natural teeth for a longer time. Tooth loss is a common problem among older adults. Halitosis is usually a sign of poor oral hygiene but can also be a symptom or early sign of sinus or gastric problems. untreated dental disease is very common among those over 65 years old, ranging from inflamed gums under old, dirty or ill fitting dentures, to decayed root stumps, periodontitis, and ulcers.