Campbell 1

Tabitha Campbell

Jody Williams

DHY 185

2/5/2018

Considerations for Aging Patients

The process of aging effects everyone and is an aspect of life we must all face. As

healthcare providers in the field of dentistry it is paramount that we are educated and aware of

the physiological changes and the dental treatment requirements that come along with serving

this age group. It is important to realize that the population of individuals ages 65 and older has

increased at a rate faster than that of the total population (Darby & Walsh). From the year 2000

to 2010 the 65 and older age group has increased by 15%, the total population growth was 9.7%

Darby & Walsh). A rise in older adult populations can be attributed to an increased life

expectancy. By the year 2030 the generation of baby boomers will all be age 65 and older (Darby

& Walsh). The population increase of older adults will be reflected statistically in the patients we

see in the years to come.

Many physiological changes take place during the aging process, the effects within the

oral cavity are no exception. Teeth undergo many age associated changes including alterations

within the pulp, dentin, cementum, and enamel. As patients age there may be a noticeable change

in the shade of their teeth, this can be attributed to the fact that overtime the enamel surface

acquires cracks and a translucent appearance, there is also evidence of stain due to lifelong

exposure to food, drinks, and other stain yielding habits. Changes in composition occur within

the cementum as overtime it contains increased amounts of magnesium and fluoride. Secondary

cementum is deposited apically throughout life. The dentin of an older adult is less sensitive and
 Campbell 2

dentin sclerosis often occurs as a result of obturation of dentinal tubules (Darby & Walsh). Due

to a decrease in blood supply to the pulpal area of the tooth as individuals age the pulp recedes

and the pulp chamber size is reduced (Darby & Walsh).

The status of periodontal health is more dependent on the level of disease or health rather

than one’s age. Research indicates that the loss of crestal bone due to aging is minimal in those

of good health (Darby & Walsh). Periodontitis remains a concern for the aging, as well as the

development of coronal, and particularly root carries (ADA). Another common oral development

in aging patients is overall attrition of the occlusal and incisal surfaces due to years of wear.

Many changes within the oral mucosa are more often unrelated to the aging process but

rather can be attributed to a systemic disease or most commonly a result of medication

consumption. One such side effect of medication is xerostomia which is an inadequacy in

salivary production. Xerostomia can have many effects orally such as the development of

angular cheilitis at the commissures of the labial borders (Darby & Walsh).

As many older adults wear dentures, it is important to the effects the prosthesis has on the

oral mucosa. Those who use dentures may suffer denture stomatitis or candidiasis (Darby &

Walsh). Researchers have discovered that older patients have higher bacterial counts in their

mouths, this includes bacteria such as lactobacilli and yeasts (RDH mag). An older adult waring

a denture is especially at risk of having elevated bacterial levels due to the appliance harboring

bacteria. A reported 57 % of those who wear dentures rarely or never receive routine dental

checkups (RDH mag). It is essential to maintain an oral hygiene routine and regular dental visits

no matter the patients age or if they are of edentulous status.

Considerations to fulfill the personal needs of the aging patient include adjusting their

appointment times to be short and during the morning, consultation with physicians as needed
 Campbell 3

due to possible chronic health conditions or seeing the patient in a facility to ease their anxiety

and eliminate transportation issues. It is important to adapt our services to suit the need of the

individual in order to achieve the best possible service and care for each patient.
 Campbell 4

Works Cited

Darby, Michele Leonardi, et al. Dental hygiene: theory and practice. Elsevier/Saunders, 2015.

“Aging and Dental Health.” Aging and dental health (Geriatrics), www.ada.org/en/member-

center/oral-health-topics/aging-and-dental-health.

“5 things you should know about dentures.” Registered Dental Hygienist, 1 July 2007,

www.rdhmag.com/articles/print/volume-27/issue-7/feature/5-things-you-should-know-about-

dentures.html.