Geriatric patients and gum disease ,Periodontal disease , periodontitis

Geriatric patients and gum disease ,Periodontal disease , periodontitis

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  Geriatric Patients andGum Disease
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  • The wordGeriatric means relating to elderly or old age. • The term elderly realistically and commonly, refers to a group of people who are age 65 and older. • One of the most common dental problems in this age group is gum disease. • This is caused by the bacteria in plaque, which irritate the gums, making them swollen, red and more likely to bleed. • The troubling part is that because it often develops so slowly and doesn’t have any early obvious symptoms, it may go on unnoticed until it gets serious.
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  • If leftuntreated, gums can begin to pull away from the teeth and form deepened spaces called pockets where food particles and more plaque may collect. • Advanced gum disease can eventually destroy the gums, bone and ligaments supporting the teeth leading to tooth loss. • The Oral Health problems in Geriatric patients are relatively different from those seen in the younger individuals. • One of the most important criterions determining the periodontal health in geriatric population is how well they have maintained their oral health throughout their life time.
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  What are thesymptoms of Periodontitis? • tender, bleeding gums • painful chewing • chronic bad breath • teeth that are sensitive to cold/heat • change in fit or comfort of partial dentures • receding gums • untreated periodontitis may lead to destruction of gums and tissues that support teeth • teeth may become loose In elderly individuals, these problems vary from the presence of Periodontal Disease including presence of inflammation with or without any periodontal destruction, decayed teeth and ill fitting dentures or lack of dentures.
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  The General Healthof Geriatric Patients It is very common to see people in the age group of 65 years and above to be suffering from a chronic disease, Hence a deviation from the normal health of these patients. These diseases directly or indirectly affect the periodontal health of these patients. • Xerostomia: The number of saliva acini and salivary secretory reserve decreases with age. Xerostomia is also the side effect of common drugs. The presence of xerostomia reduces periodontal prognosis.
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  • Prolonged Bleeding: Thisis common in patients taking low dose of aspirin in order to reduce the risk of thromboembolic events. Periodontal Treatment in these patients evokes more bleeding than anticipated. • Altered Drug Metabolism: The metabolisms of ingested drugs are altered as the Renal and Hepatic functions reduce with age. Dentists at Dr. Sachdeva’s Dental Clinic, advise fellow dentists to carefully prescribe the needed drugs.
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  • Deficits inmobility and Dexterity: Functional impairments are common in Geriatric Patients. So despite their best efforts these patients cannot follow effective plaque control. • Mental Impairment: Poor memory and confusion alters the patient’s ability to retain and absorb information given by the dentist. The presence of the above general factors alone or in combination, affects the Periodontal Health of the Geriatric patients as they are not able to maintain adequate plaque control
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  Impact on PhysicalHealth • gums pull away from the teeth and form pockets that become infected • immune system fights the bacteria as plaque spreads and expands below gum line • bacterial toxins and immune system response may break down bone and connective tissue • evidence of relationship between cardiovascular disease and poor oral health • oral infections increase glucose levels in blood and make diabetes harder to control
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  Approach to treatment Mostof the Geriatric population suffers from one or more kind of Dental or Periodontal problem. Dentists in North Delhi, identify the treatment protocol for Periodontal Problems in Geriatric patients in five steps; 1. examination of the patient and emergency treatments 2. cause related therapy 3. Re-evaluation of the patient 4. Definitive Treatment 5. Maintenance Phase
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  Preventative measures • reducesugar intake • stop smoking • use toothpaste containing fluoride • brush teeth twice a day • floss daily • antimicrobial mouth rinse can assist in controlling plaque • visit dentist regularly • take a complete list of all medications to dental appointments • maintain cleanliness of dentures and dental bridges • ensure dentures and bridges fit properly
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  How effective isPeriodontal Therapy in Geriatric Patients The results of Periodontal Therapy primarily depend on the post treatment self –care by the patient and strict adherence to the maintenance protocol. Hence, if the patient is maintaining a good oral hygiene and is adhering to maintenance protocol good Periodontal Health can be ensured for Geriatric Patients. At Dr.Sachdeva’s Dental Clinic in Ashok Vihar, while planning a treatment procedure for our Geriatric patients we take in consideration their age, the dental and medical status, goals to be achieved and long term maintenance.
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  For more information,you can book an appointment at Dr Sachdeva's Dental Aesthetic And Implant Institute, I 101, Ashok Vihar Phase 1, Delhi- 110052 Contact us at Phone : +919818894041,01142464041 Our Websites: www.sachdevadentalcare.com www.dentalclinicindelhi.com www.dentalimplantindia.co.in www.dentalcoursesdelhi.com www.facialaestheticsdelhi.com
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