Page 6 - Seniorstoday Sep 2024 Issue

Cover Story
Oral Health and the
Ageing Adult
There is an overwhelming body of evidence that suggests the need to
maintain a healthy natural dentition in old age, writes Dr Asha Narde
The mouth is a mirror of the overall
health, reiterating the fact that oral health
is integral to the general health of every
human being. Currently the elderly
population in India is around 153 million
(aged 60 and above) and is expected to
reach a staggering 347 million by 2050.
Studies show that older persons are
particularly affected by poor oral health,
which in turn has negative consequences
on their general health.
Need for a Healthy Dentition in Ageing
Adults
There is an overwhelming body of
evidence that suggests the need to
maintain a healthy natural dentition in
old age from a structural, functional and
psycho-social point of view. The number of
teeth is a predictor of mortality, increased
6
longevity is believed to be dependent on
the increased number of teeth.
Tooth loss impairs the chewing
performance, hence an unconscious
change in food intake occurs that leads to
withdrawal from common meals, resulting
in malnutrition. It is also believed that
the very act of mastication increases the
blood flow to the brain, activating the brain
cortex which is beneficial for cognitive
function.
Natural teeth can optionally support
crowns, fixed bridges, overdentures
and removable dentures. Retaining and
restoring damaged teeth is important to
maintain the vertical dimension which
is important for the temporomandibular
function and health.
Poor oral appearance and bad breath
may impede social interaction. Hence,