All adults over 65 years of age have cavities and only 21% of affected teeth receive adequate treatment. On the occasion of the International Day of the Elderly, the General Council of Dentists recalls the possible oral problems in the elderly and how to avoid them to enjoy good oral and general health.

According to the Oral Health Survey in Spain 2020, 100% of adults older than 65 years old has cavities, with an average of 15 teeth affected, of which only the 21% receive restorative treatment. Likewise, 3 out of 10 older people need urgent multi-unit prosthesis.

Oral cancer is another of the most common oral problems in adults higher. The consumption of tobacco and alcohol, a bad diet or a bad prosthesis adjusted, are some risk factors that can cause the appearance of this type of cancer.

Regarding periodontal disease, in the last 25 years we have attended a significant decrease in this pathology in older adults, from 56% of affected in 1993 to 34% of those affected today (about 2 million greater). Likewise, the figures for severe periodontal disease have gone from 17% to 11.5%.

To maintain good oral health during this stage of life it is important to keep in mind a few simple habits:

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste, for two minutes. Also use interdental brushes or dental floss.
• Reduce your intake of sugars and avoid alcohol and tobacco.
• Eat a healthy and balanced diet.
• Carry out a correct hygiene of the dental prosthesis, as well as of the mucous membranes and denture-bearing teeth.
• Combat dry mouth syndrome (xerostomia) by keeping your mouth moist, hydrating lips and chewing sugar-free gum.
• Carry out oral self-examinations of the gums, cheeks, lips and tongue, to detect possible signs of pathologies such as oral cancer.
• Visit the dentist periodically and if an injury is detected that does not improve after two weeks.

"Various oral pathologies are related to diabetes and diseases cardiovascular, cerebral, respiratory and other areas, especially in adults higher. If you take care of your mouth, you follow a healthy lifestyle - eating a and avoiding the consumption of tobacco and alcohol- and regular visits to the dentist, you will enjoy better oral and general health in maturity ”, points out the president of the General Council of Dentists, Dr. Óscar Castro Reino.