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Root Caries: An Epidemic of Age

People are living longer and keeping their natural teeth more than ever before. The advances in tooth retention, the desire to look one's best, and higher expectations about oral health have raised dental awareness among older adults.

With the significant increase in the older portion of society, with even greater increases expected, more older adults will have more teeth that are susceptible to root caries. Root caries may emerge as one of the most significant dental problems among older adults during the next decade. A recent study conducted by the National Institute for Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) showed that over half of older adults have decayed or filled root surfaces. The frequency of root caries is strongly age-dependent and will continue to be a major dental problem among the elderly.

Root caries lesions can be caused by new or primary root caries, caries around existing dental fillings or recurrent caries, and abrasion or erosion of the root surfaces. Root caries progress quickly due to the relatively soft nature of the root surface, as well as the risk factors associated with the incidence of root caries.

Risk factors associated with the high prevalence of root caries among older adults include decrease salivary flow or xerostomia, exposure of root surfaces due to periodontal (gum) disease, chronic medical conditions, radiation treatment for head and neck cancer, physical limitations, and diminished manual dexterity due to stroke, arthritis, or Parkinson's disease, cognitive deficits due to mental illness, depression, Alzheimer's disease or dementia, Sjögren's syndrome (an autoimmune disease), diabetes, poor oral hygiene, multiple medication use, and changes in dietary habits. One or more of these risk factors or life changes, which are more common among older adults, can increase root caries in an individual who has not had dental caries for many years.

Root caries can be a challenge for the dentist to treat depending on the size and the type of root caries lesion, the extent and rate of caries activity for that person, the physical and mental condition of the individual, and where the root caries are located in the mouth. Many root lesions have limited accessibility and visibility, are often more complicated by pre-existing extensive dental work, and are difficult to isolate from oral fluids during the restoration process. Also, many people who have widespread root lesions have limited tolerance for dental treatment because of medical conditions, illness, and mental health problems.

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.

Low Cost Dentures - Custom False Teeth - Are They For You?

Think of dentures or false teeth as if they were clothing. There are ready-to-wear low-codenturesres that come "off the rack." The pattern's the same, and the materials are run of the mill. Then there are custom dentures that are individually styled for you, with the right fit and the best materials. There are hundreds of clinical and design choices. Individuals have different requirements and need their own special look.

Depending on age, and even gender, there are differences in the shape, length and color of teeth. The front teeth are often lighter in color than the cuspids alongside. Color should range from coral near the edge to pinkish near the base. Some base materials absorb more moisture, which can affect the fit. Old photographs or your old dentures can be used to give you the most natural look.

The texture of your denture is important, too. Unlike ready-to-wear, low cost dentures that are smooth-as-glass, good false teeth have some texture on the surface, especially on upper teeth. This helps you chew and speak properly.

Good low-cost dentures should be one-of-a-kind. Remember, you'll be wearing them every day!

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.