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Teeth, the "partners" that accompany us all our lives, always seem to be unable to escape the fate of gradually loosening and falling off in the long river of years. Especially when we enter old age, there is always such a voice around us: "When you are old, it is normal for your teeth to fall out, so you don't need to pay too much attention to it." ”
Is that really the case? I know that the science behind this is far more complex and promising than we think. Today, let's delve into how old the elderly begin to "lose their teeth", and whether we really can't escape the fate of losing their teeth, and what the consequences will be if they are empty and not filled.
1. The "geriatric crisis" of teeth: when did it start?
When it comes to the old man's tooth loss, many people's minds are full of pictures: an old man with gray hair, the corners of his mouth are deflated, and his teeth are sparse. However, the age of tooth loss is not set in stone, it is affected by a variety of factors, including genetics, lifestyle habits, oral hygiene, and underlying health conditions.
From a physiological point of view, with age, the functions of the human body gradually decline, and alveolar bone is no exception. Alveolar bone is an important structure that supports teeth, and its density and strength gradually decline with age, leading to loose teeth.
Generally speaking, most people's teeth can stay with them until they are sixty or seventy years old, or even longer, if they are properly maintained. If oral health is neglected, the age of tooth loss can be greatly advanced.
2. An inescapable fate? Science to unravel the secrets
"When you get old, your teeth will fall out", this is an old saying that has been widely circulated, but is it really scientific? The answer is no. In fact, many elderly people still maintain a healthy mouthful of teeth, and the key lies in daily maintenance and maintenance.
Periodontal disease: the "culprit" of tooth loss
Periodontal disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in the elderly. Periodontal disease may start with mild bleeding, redness and swelling of the gums, but if left untreated, the condition can progressively worsen, leading to alveolar bone resorption, tooth loosening and even loss.
Therefore, regular oral examinations to detect and treat periodontal disease in time are the keys to preventing tooth loss.
Dental caries: a "small hole" that cannot be ignored
Tooth decay, commonly known as "insect teeth", is also an important cause of tooth loss. Many older people think that tooth decay is just a problem for young children, but it is not.
As we age, the wear resistance of our teeth gradually decreases, and if combined with poor oral hygiene, tooth decay can easily take advantage of it. Therefore, brushing, flossing, and regular cleaning are effective ways to prevent tooth decay.
Bad Habits: A "Catalyst" That Accelerates Tooth Loss
Smoking, drinking, and unreasonable eating habits can all have an adverse effect on dental health.
The harmful substances in tobacco can damage the periodontal tissue and accelerate alveolar bone resorption; Alcohol, on the other hand, can irritate the oral mucosa and increase the risk of oral diseases. Therefore, developing good lifestyle habits is essential to maintain dental health.
3. Empty and not filled: There are many hidden dangers
When a tooth is lost, many people choose to "leave it empty" and think it doesn't hurt. This practice hides huge hidden dangers.
Affects chewing function
Teeth are an important tool for chewing food, and if teeth are missing, chewing function can be severely affected. Not only can this lead to inadequate digestion of food, but it can also trigger gastrointestinal disorders.
Accelerates facial aging
Teeth support facial muscles and skin, and if teeth are missing, the face loses support, resulting in sagging skin, increased wrinkles, and accelerated facial aging.
Affects pronunciation and aesthetics
The loss of teeth can also affect the accuracy and clarity of pronunciation, and may even affect aesthetics. This is a huge blow to image-conscious seniors.
Causes other oral problems
When a tooth is missing, adjacent teeth lose their support and are prone to tilting and displacement, leading to a disordered occlusal relationship, which in turn leads to more oral problems.
Fourth, the wisdom of teeth in traditional culture
In traditional Chinese culture, teeth have always been regarded as a symbol of health and longevity. As the old saying goes: "Teeth are the bones, but the kidneys are the mark." This means that the health of teeth is closely related to the function of the kidneys and is an important sign of good health.
Therefore, protecting your teeth is not only about oral health, but also about overall health.
In ancient times, people were already aware of the importance of protecting their teeth. For example, the ancients used to rinse their mouths with tea after meals to clean the mouth and prevent tooth decay. This custom is still practiced in some areas today.
In addition, the ancients also paid attention to dietary care, believing that "medicine is not as good as food", and maintained dental health by eating some foods that have the effect of strengthening teeth, such as walnuts and black beans.
5. How to break the fate of "losing teeth"?
Now that we know the causes and hidden dangers of tooth loss, how can we break this fate? The key lies in the following:
Regular oral check-ups
Regular dental check-ups can detect and treat oral problems in time and prevent the condition from worsening. It is recommended that older adults have an oral check-up at least once a year.
Maintain oral hygiene
Brushing and flossing your teeth every day and cleaning your teeth regularly is the foundation of maintaining oral hygiene. In addition, some oral care products with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, such as mouthwashes, can also be used.
Eat right
Eating a proper diet is essential for maintaining dental health. It is recommended that the elderly consume more foods rich in minerals such as calcium and phosphorus, such as milk, soy products, green leafy vegetables, etc. At the same time, avoid excessive consumption of sweets, sticky foods, etc., to avoid damage to your teeth.
Quit smoking and limit alcohol
Smoking and drinking alcohol can have adverse effects on dental health. Therefore, it is recommended that the elderly quit smoking and limit alcohol to maintain oral health.
Timely treatment of oral diseases
Once oral diseases are found, they should be treated by medical attention in a timely manner. Do not delay your condition so as not to miss the best time for treatment.
Missing teeth are repaired in a timely manner
If the tooth is already missing, it should be repaired promptly. Depending on the number and location of missing teeth, different restorations can be chosen, such as dental implants, porcelain teeth, etc. These repairs not only restore chewing function, but also improve facial aesthetics and pronunciation.
6. Conclusion: Let healthy teeth accompany your life in old age
Dental health is an important guarantee of the quality of life of the elderly. Through scientific methods and means, we can break the fatalism that "old teeth will definitely fall out", and let healthy teeth accompany us in our later life.
As a doctor, I feel a great responsibility and hope. I hope that through the popularization of science in this article, more elderly people can realize the importance of protecting their teeth and take practical actions to maintain their oral health.
Finally, I would like to conclude this article with an old saying: "The mouth is the gateway of the heart; Teeth, bones. "May every elderly person have a healthy tooth and enjoy a good old age.
The above content is for reference only, if you feel unwell, please consult a medical professional. If you like it, you can pay attention to it, share health knowledge every day, and be your exclusive online doctor.
References:
To make the teeth of the elderly healthier, you need to pay attention to these points
2024-01-01 16:04 · Guangming Net