In geriatrics, according to the Si/Sta classification of Mount and Hume, caries are mainly encountered in site 3 (tooth neck) at all stages of progression.

What is the most common location for caries in older clients and why?

Caries were most common among individuals aged 17 to 25 years. Approximal surfaces of incisors, canines, premolars and occlusal surfaces in molars had the highest caries rates in all age groups, except for individuals older than 65 years of age.

What kind of caries are prevalent in the older population?

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]. Nearly half of all individuals aged 75 and older have root caries [2].

What are the most common oral conditions affecting the elderly population?

Oral health problems in older adults include the following:

• Untreated tooth decay. Nearly all adults (96%) aged 65 years or older have had a cavity; 1 in 5 have untreated tooth decay.
• Gum disease. A high percentage of older adults have gum disease.
• Tooth loss.
• Oral cancer.
• Chronic disease.

How does age affect dental caries?

MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2003;52(50):1226-9. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. Dental caries (tooth decay) in seniors ( age 65 and over ). National Institutes of Health.

What is the most important substrate for caries formation?

Sucrose is considered the most cariogenic dietary carbohydrate, because it is fermentable, and also serves as a substrate for the synthesis of extracellular (EPS) and intracellular (IPS) polysaccharides in dental plaque (Newbrun, 1967; Bowen, 2002).

WHAT IS pit and fissure caries?

Pits and fissures are the deep grooves that make up the chewing surfaces of your teeth. These grooves are on both your premolars and molars, but a pit and fissure cavity is usually deeper on the molars than on the premolars.

What is senile caries?

n. 1. Decay of a bone or tooth, especially dental caries. 2. (used with a pl.

Is the carious lesion most commonly found in elderly patients?

In the United States, studies show a prevalence of caries of more than 40% in adults aged 75 years and older and the demand for conservative care is increasing [12-15]. The prevalence and incidence of caries in elderly patients are the highest among all age groups and increase with institutionalization.

What is rampant caries?

Rampant caries is a suddenly appearing, rapidly burrowing type of caries resulting in early pulp involvement, in which more than 10 new lesions appear every year on healthy teeth surfaces which are generally immune to caries.[1]

What is the cause of dental caries?

Dental caries or cavities, more commonly known as tooth decay, are caused by a breakdown of the tooth enamel. This breakdown is the result of bacteria on teeth that breakdown foods and produce acid that destroys tooth enamel and results in tooth decay.

What is the most common cause of tooth loss in the elderly?

Periodontal disease, characterized by receding gums, wobbly teeth, and deterioration of the jawbone, is the primary culprit in tooth loss among older adults.

What are the common oral and dental problems in older people and other individuals who need care and support?

Gum disease: gingivitis and periodontitis ►Red, swollen or tender gums. ►Detachment of the gums from the teeth. ►Chronic bad breath or bad taste. As the condition progresses, teeth may become loose or change their position.

Why do older patients tend to get more 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.

Why are my elderly mother’s teeth falling out?

Periodontal or gum disease is the most common cause of tooth loss among adults. A 2012 study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that around half of the adult population in the US has periodontal disease, with cases ranging from mild to severe.

Which of the following is the most effective means to prevent dental caries?

Fluoride Exposure. The highest level of evidence for caries prevention and reduction supports the exposure of teeth to fluoride. Fluoride in trace amounts increases the resistance of tooth structure to demineralization and is particularly important for caries prevention (Fig. 2.42).