HJAR Jul/Aug 2020

54 JUL / AUG 2020 I  HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF ARKANSAS ORAL HEALTH DIALOGUE COLUMN ORAL HEALTH AGING has several definitions, one of which is the change in dynamic biological, physi- ological, environmental, psychological, and social processes. This definition relates to an aging dentition, as these dynamic factors are associated with and influence the aging effects in oral health. Baby boomers are the generation born shortly afterWorldWar II between the years 1946–1964 1 . This group has the distinction of having more expendable income, having ac- quired higher education, and being more fo- cused on looking and feeling better—besides just living longer. In 1900, approximately 4 percent of the population was 65 years of age or older. In 2005, 13 percent of the population was 65 years old or older. It is estimated that 21 percent of the population will be 65 years old or older in 2030 2 . In the aging process, immune systems do not function to their full capacity, nor do sys- tems respond to treatment as fast, when com- pared to a younger system 3 . Disease states, both acute and chronic, have a huge impact on the oral cavity. Particularly, diabetes and periodontal (gum) disease do not pair well. There is a bi-directional association in that each of these diseases affect the other in se- verity when left untreated, or if poorly con- trolled 4 . Periodontal disease results in the loss of bone and supporting structures of teeth, and can lead to tooth loss. Physiologic changes, which occur in the normal aging process, influence oral health. For example, caries (decay) can have a sig- nificant effect in the aging process. Many el- derly patients have xerostomia (dry mouth), which is the result of having decreased sali- vary flow. This decreased production may be due to many factors, and a very common one is medication 5 . People who never had a cavity in their life can suddenly be prone to caries due to the simple fact that there is loss of natural saliva. Saliva is a natural cleanser in an individual’s mouth, and aids in masti- cation and oral mucosa comfort. Recession of the tissue complicates matters because it exposes root surfaces of teeth, and these surfaces become vulnerable and can decay. Years of vigorous tooth brushing aids in gum recession, which can lead to increased Everyone loves a beautiful smile, but does everyone possess a healthy smile? There are many factors affecting oral health, and aging is a major one. ORAL HEALTH AND AGING: Baby Boomer Patients and the Aging Dentition