Good teeth, good appetite, good health -common oral problems and prevention of the elderly

The World Health Organization listed oral health as one of the top ten standards for human health. With the increase of age, many elderly people will face oral problems such as caries, periodontitis, and dental defects. Oral health is closely related to the health of the whole body, good teeth and good appetite can promote physical health. What should I do if I encounter common oral problems? Oral department experts from the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University will support you.

Dental caries

It is the "tooth decay" and "worm tooth" we often say, which is a destructive disease caused by a hard tissue caused by bacterial infections.

Early in the disease, it may only be manifested as the black line that is not conspicuous at the surface of the tooth surface. Since then, it has gradually destroyed the internal development of the teeth, forming a caries that can be clearly observed, and then symptoms such as sensitivity and pain of teeth. At this time, if the intervention is not treated, caries will continue to develop in the direction of pulp disease and pertine. In severe cases, it can even destroy the entire teeth. In the end, the disease can not be repaired.

Because dental tissues do not have the ability to regenerate, when they are found, they must go to regular oral institutions for treatment as soon as possible.

The key to preventing caries is to remove bacteria attached to the teeth. In the usual life, it is recommended that you brush your teeth in the morning and evening and rill your mouth after meals. If you have conditions, you can brush your teeth after meals. Note that each brushing time is not less than 3 minutes, to ensure that each surface of each teeth is brushed. In addition, it can be cleaned more thoroughly with the use of dental floss.

Periodontitis

The atrophy of gums, loose teeth, and even falling off are the problems that plagued many elderly friends. The redness and swelling of the gums, brushing bleeding, and bad breath are the clinical manifestations of periodontitis.

Many people have misunderstandings such as "getting teeth when they are old". In fact, as long as they maintain oral hygiene, healthy teeth can accompany people for life. When the above problems occur, there is a problem that represents the support tissue of the teeth. Dental inflammation is more complicated, so it is particularly important to prevent correct prevention before the disease.

Periodontitis is caused by bacteria to infringe the support tissue around the teeth. The focus of prevention is to remove pathogenic bacteria. It is worth noting that the pathogenic bacteria of periodontitis are usually attached to the junction of teeth and gums. When brushing teeth, you need to focus on the cleanup of this part. You can rotate the toothbrush handle slightly to tilt the bristles 45 ° angle. The tip of the bristles is pointing at the junction of the gums and teeth. The bristles are half on the gums, half of the teeth, and the direction of the teeth will be slightly trembling. Rotate the teeth and brush out.

Lack of teeth

Lack of teeth refers to the lack of some teeth in the dentition, making the total number of teeth less than normal. The main reasons for the lack of teeth of the elderly are: weakened dental structure or even severe wear and loosening, failure to treat in -time, lead to lack of teeth; various reasons are not in place or poor oral hygiene conditions, causing periodontal disease The bite force is huge and the teeth structure is weak, and the teeth are split when chewing is rigid. The dental teeth make the natural teeth of the tooth deteriorate and lack of the condition. In addition, trauma and congenital factors are also common causes of dental lack.

When the missing teeth account for more than 1/4 of the full mouth, it will significantly affect the normal function of the mouth. Long -term lack of teeth can also cause facial collapse and face, which seriously affects the physical and mental health and quality of life of the elderly.

Therefore, the lack of teeth should first go to the regular oral institution for treatment, followed by oral health care, such as keeping oral cleaning, foods rich in vitamins and minerals. Old people who lose their teeth should also make up for their teeth, tooth inlaid, or loading to teeth to improve the chewing function of the oral cavity.

Oral Cancer

Oral cancer is one of the most common malignant tumor diseases in the head and neck. There is no study to clear the cause of the onset, but smoking, drinking, chewing betel nut, and virus infection are induced factors. With the increase of age, the prevalence of oral cancer has also increased, and the incidence of people over 65 years of age accounts for more than 50%of the total. It is divided into tongue cancer, bottom cancer, gum cancer, cheese cancer, and carcinoma. The main symptoms include internal nodules, lumps, and mucosal ulcers. Obvious ulcers and inflammation occur for a long time. Difficult to speak and swallow. When the above symptoms occur, seek medical examination as soon as possible to avoid delaying the golden timing of treatment.

For the prevention of oral cancer, the first is to change the bad lifestyle, avoid smoking, drinking, and chewing betel nut; timely diagnosis and treatment with oral discomfort, regular oral examination, treating sharp teeth, residual roots, and adverse repair bodies, timely Treatment of oral mucosal damage, especially mucosal white spots and chronic inflammation and stains; prevent pollution of the environment and nuclear radiation; maintain an optimistic and healthy mental and psychological state.

Author: Dr. Chen Xi, chief physician of the Department of Stomatology, First Affiliated Council of Xi'an Jiaotong University

Edit: Tian Jiaqi

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