Elderly at greater risk for root caries: a look at the multifactorial risks with emphasis on genetics susceptibility.

Daniel Gati,Alexandre R Vieira

doi:10.1155/2011/647168

Abstract

Root caries is one of the most significant dental problems among older adults today. Many studies have demonstrated that older adults are at greater risk for developing root caries. Here we examine what risk factors older adults are prone to and explain how they contribute to higher rates of oral disease, in particular root caries. The elderly are at risk for root caries due to dentures, lack of dexterity, a shift from complex to simple sugars, and poor oral hygiene. Decreased salivary flow and its manifestations with other social/behavioral and medical factors may provide a more comprehensive explanation to a higher frequency of root caries in older adults.

Highlights

Due to increasing life expectancy of the dentition, older adults are experiencing root caries and gingival recession, putting them at even higher risk for periodontal disease
Root caries is the major cause of tooth loss in older adults, and tooth loss is the most significant oral health-related negative variable of quality of life for the elderly [1]
1% chlorhexidine, 40% chlorhexidine, and professional tooth cleanings were compared in regard to root caries, all methods showed significant reduction in the amount of microbiota

Summary

Introduction

Due to increasing life expectancy of the dentition, older adults are experiencing root caries and gingival recession, putting them at even higher risk for periodontal disease. Root caries is the major cause of tooth loss in older adults, and tooth loss is the most significant oral health-related negative variable of quality of life for the elderly [1]. This paper examines salivary hypofunction, the systemic and oral immune system (immunoglobulins found in saliva) in older adults, and their manifestations. These factors are strongly determined by individual genetic background. International Journal of Dentistry positively associated with caries risk These include certain illnesses, physical and mental disabilities, and the presence of existing restorations or oral appliances. Long-term regular doses of medications containing glucose, fructose, or sucrose may contribute to caries risk [8]

Etiology of Caries

Genetics of Caries

Saliva and Immure Response

Findings

Brief Discussion on Other Risk Factors

Conclusion