Medical experts list key points for elderly dental care, and the periodontal health rate of elderly people aged 65 to 74 in Shanghai is only 7.9%

September 20th of this year is the 35th National Love for Teeth Day, with the promotion theme of "Oral Health, Whole Body Health". This morning, it was announced that the theme promotion activity carried out by the Shanghai Municipal Health Commission: According to the fourth national oral health epidemiological survey data, the periodontal health rate of elderly people aged 65-74 in Shanghai is only 7.9%, and the caries rate of permanent teeth is as high as 94.3%.

Oral diseases are one of the most prevalent chronic diseases and have become a major challenge to global public health. The World Health Organization reports that nearly half of the world's population suffers from oral diseases. Oral diseases are closely related to overall health. Infection and inflammatory factors in the oral cavity will aggravate chronic diseases such as cardio cerebrovascular diseases, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, etc. Common oral diseases such as dental caries and periodontal disease not only affect chewing, speech, aesthetics, and other functions, but also cause social communication difficulties and psychological barriers.

Oral diseases are one of the most prevalent chronic diseases and have become a major challenge to global public health. The World Health Organization reports that nearly half of the world's population suffers from oral diseases. Oral diseases are closely related to overall health. Infection and inflammatory factors in the oral cavity will aggravate chronic diseases such as cardio cerebrovascular diseases, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, etc. Common oral diseases such as dental caries and periodontal disease not only affect chewing, speech, aesthetics, and other functions, but also cause social communication difficulties and psychological barriers.

Oral diseases have a more serious impact on the elderly population and can significantly reduce their quality of life. The aging population in this city is high, and the oral health issues of the elderly cannot be ignored. Many years ago, Shanghai has included "carrying out oral health management for the elderly, strengthening the filing and management of oral health for elderly patients with chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes, and promoting comprehensive prevention and treatment services for oral diseases of the elderly" in the Healthy Shanghai Action. Based on multiple rounds of the "Shanghai Municipal Three Year Action Plan to Strengthen the Construction of Public Health System", we have organized and implemented projects such as complete denture restoration for impoverished elderly people and optimization of the "one elderly and one young" oral health service model, promoting the improvement of the oral health status of the elderly. At the same time, extensive oral health education activities for the elderly will be carried out, and optimization of oral health examinations will be explored in conjunction with physical examinations for the elderly.

Persist in brushing teeth in the morning and evening, and choose interdental cleaning tools

Persist in brushing teeth in the morning and evening, and choose interdental cleaning tools

Aging and losing teeth is not an inevitable pattern. As long as elderly people still have teeth in their mouths, they should brush their teeth every morning and evening, and brushing their teeth before going to bed at night is more important. When brushing teeth, do not vigorously brush horizontally to avoid damaging teeth and gums.

Elderly people need to choose adjacent cleaning tools based on the size of the gaps between their teeth. For those with less obvious gum recession, dental floss can be used. For those with gum recession and obvious interdental gaps, they can choose interdental brushes and choose different models based on the size of the gaps. When using, do not force them to enter to avoid damaging the gums.

Dentures also need to be thoroughly cleaned every day

Whether it's dental implants, fixed dentures, or removable dentures, they all require daily cleaning and maintenance just like natural teeth. Implants and fixed dentures should not be removed or worn, as there may be food residue and bacteria left around. It is necessary to brush teeth and use interdental brushes and dental flossers in conjunction.

Removable dentures need to be removed and cleaned after each meal, and cleaned with a soft bristled brush. Before going to bed, removable dentures should be removed and soaked in cold water, or soaked in denture cleaner. The next morning, rinse with clean water before putting them on.

Localized use of fluoride, reasonable diet, and prevention of root caries

Elderly people often have gum recession and exposed tooth roots. Due to reduced saliva and inadequate cleaning, root caries, also known as root caries, is a common oral disease among the elderly.

To prevent root caries, local fluoride application methods can be adopted, such as using fluoride toothpaste to brush teeth, regularly going to the hospital for dental fluoride application, etc; Reasonable diet, control the total amount and frequency of sweet food intake, and eat more fresh vegetables and fruits. Root caries should be treated promptly.

Pay attention to gum bleeding and tooth looseness to prevent periodontal disease

Periodontal disease is the main cause of tooth loss. If teeth are not cleaned properly, there will be a buildup of dental plaque. Over time, the gums will become inflamed, alveolar bone will absorb, teeth will loosen, and eventually fall off.

If elderly people have problems such as gum redness, swelling, bleeding, oral odor, loose and displaced teeth, they need to be vigilant and seek timely medical attention. They should actively treat periodontal diseases and try to preserve natural teeth.

Extract teeth that cannot be preserved and promptly repair missing teeth

If elderly people have teeth that cannot be preserved, such as residual crowns, roots, or particularly loose teeth, they should be extracted in a timely manner. Otherwise, mild cases may affect oral function, while severe cases may cause systemic infections and affect quality of life.

Elderly people with missing teeth need to be repaired in a timely manner to maintain the integrity of the dental arch and restore basic oral function. Generally, restoration is performed 2-3 months after tooth extraction. The methods for repairing missing teeth include active restoration, fixed restoration, and implant restoration.

Pay attention to changes in oral mucosa to prevent the occurrence of oral cancer

Elderly people are at a high incidence of oral mucosal diseases. They should pay attention to changes in the oral mucosa and seek medical attention promptly if they discover ulcers in the oral cavity that have not healed for more than two weeks, as well as abnormal symptoms such as hard lumps, white or red plaques on the oral mucosa. If the oral mucosa is subjected to long-term adverse stimulation or has a habit of smoking and drinking, it is easy to develop oral leukoplakia and even oral cancer. Therefore, early prevention should be taken, smoking and drinking habits should be quit, and betel nut chewing should be avoided.

Annual oral health check ups, at least once teeth cleaning