Teeth, as the most critical tissue structure in the human body, play multiple and indispensable roles. First of all, they are the hardest part of the human body and have an efficient chewing function, which is essential for food ingestion and digestion. In addition, teeth play a central role in the pronunciation of speech and the maintenance of facial structure, and can even be said to have a decisive impact on an individual's appearance and expression communication.
However, despite the structural strength of teeth, they are not indestructible. As we age, the human body undergoes natural physiological changes, including a gradual deterioration of the function of teeth and gums. This degenerative process can lead to tooth loss, which is especially common in older people. In fact, the proverb "old teeth" is a graphic description of this natural aging process.
Older people lose their teeth
Recent scientific studies have looked at the link between tooth loss and age in older people. The researchers selected subjects of different ages to investigate the status of their teeth, and conducted detailed data collection and analysis on those who experienced tooth loss. By comparing dental health across age groups, scientists have found that a person's dental condition begins to deteriorate significantly around the age of 30. Combined with further analysis of clinical data, the researchers concluded that the risk of tooth loss was significantly increased in people over the age of 60.
A team of experts from the World Health Organization (WHO) has also studied this. They found that only 13.9% of those over the age of 60 still had intact teeth. This means that up to 86.1% of people over the age of 60 will experience tooth loss. Further WHO research also showed that of the 86.1% of people who lost teeth, more than 10.5% lost almost all of their teeth. These data further validate the prevalence of tooth loss in people over 60 years of age.
So, how to protect the oral health of the elderly for dental problems that arise during the irreversible aging process, or how to maintain their dental health for those who are about to enter the advanced age? Next, I will give you some useful health advice from the two aspects of maintaining gum health and timely restoration of teeth.
There are a few things to pay attention to after tooth loss
Enhanced oral protection: As older people age, they often face the problem of tooth loss. After losing a tooth, the gums are left unprotected and susceptible to bacteria, which not only affects oral health but can also lead to periodontal disease. Therefore, it is especially important to brush your teeth daily and keep your mouth clean to prevent bacteria from growing and accumulating.
Timely repair of missing teeth: Tooth loss not only affects the dietary Xi of the elderly, but also reduces nutrient intake, which in turn affects overall health. In addition, missing teeth can also interfere with normal speech communication. Therefore, once there is a problem with the teeth, you should go to the hospital immediately for restoration or dentures. Prolonged neglect can not only lead to gum problems, but can even cause more serious problems like bleeding gums.
Use toothpicks with caution: As we age, the aging of our teeth intensifies, and the gaps between the teeth become larger, making it easy for food debris to become embedded in them. Although many people are Xi to using toothpicks to clean between teeth, the hard texture of regular toothpicks can easily damage the gums. In contrast, dental floss is a safer and gentler option that effectively cleans food debris between your teeth while reducing damage to your gums.