DecayDecay

Root decay

and other problemsof older teeth

Patient Information Pamphlet No. 7

Decay

Colgate Caries Control Program

Other problems ofolder teeth

■ Old fillings may develop leaks aroundthe edges, allowing cavities to recur.Some fillings may fall out, leaving ahole that may require urgent attentionto prevent pain and serious problems.

■ Wearing a partial denture. Denturescan act as a trap for food particles andplaque bacteria, causing bad breath,gum problems, and greater risk ofdecay in the adjacent teeth. Denturesshould be cleaned after eating, andremoved overnight.

■ Dry mouth - It is not uncommon tohave the feeling of dryness in themouth. Sucking sweets or frequentsips of juice or sweetened drinks tomake the mouth more comfortablecan greatly increase the risk of decay.Sipping water frequently is a better wayof coping with dry mouth.

■ Chronic illnesses and an increasingneed for medications. Somemedications make the mouth feel dry,or taste unpleasant. It is highlydesirable to use water to relieve thedryness or bad taste; sucking sweetsshould be avoided.

Further informationDental Practice Education Research Unit

Dental School, Adelaide University, S.A. 5005

Telephone (08) 8303 5438

Toll Free 1800 805 738 Fax (08) 8303 4858

Email dperu@adelaide.edu.au

Website //www.adelaide.edu.au/socprev-dent/dperu

Your teeth will benefit most when:

■ decay is detected early■ the underlying causes of the decay

problem are identified and realistic goals are set

■ a treatment plan, including home care,is agreed on and followed

■ follow-up appointments are kept.

■ Gastric reflux problems [a sour tastemay indicate that juices from thestomach are being regurgitated into themouth] --- gastric juices contain strongacids that can cause damage to toothenamel and exposed root surfaces.

■ Irregular toothbrushing not enoughfluoride to protect exposed root surfaces.A recent change in brushing habits/frequency, brought on by loss of dexterityin our hands eg onset of arthritis, mayincrease the risk of decay. A long-termhabit of skipping brushing, particularly atbedtime may become a problem when wehave some exposed root surfaces [whichare particularly vulnerable to decay].

In all cases your dentist will discuss thevarious approaches with you, to help yousettle on a plan to protect your teeth, andhelp damaged teeth to recover.

Mouth showing tooth wear and early stages of root decay

Root decay is typical of thedifferent dental problems thatface us as we become older.Extra attention is required tokeep our teeth and gums healthyand free from decay.

Understanding how changes inour health and lifestyle can causechanges in our eating and oralhygiene patterns is the first steptowards controlling most decayproblems.

Establishing home care of our teethand healthy eating habits are keyfactors in preventing decay.

DecayDecayDecay

As happens with teeth at all ages,EVERY TIME we eat or drink our teethare under attack from acid produced byplaque bacteria, as well as acidic foodsand drinks.

Tooth decay mainly occurs whentoo much sugar is eaten, and thereis insufficient fluoride to toughen theteeth and offset the effects of plaqueacid attack.

Thirty years ago, 70% of people agedover 65 had lost all of their teeth andwere wearing dentures.People are now expecting to keeptheir teeth for life, and over 70% of olderadults now retain many of their ownnatural teeth.

Fluoride rebuilds early decay and toughens damaged teeth and roots

When active decay is present, the rootsurface is softened, due to a ‘honeycomb’effect caused by the loss of tooth minerals.Early decay can be repaired by the use offluoride to rebuild and toughen the toothstructure.

Brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush;vigorous scrubbing can cause abrasionof softened root surfaces. Always usea fluoride toothpaste. Additional fluorideproducts may also be recommended.

After recovering, the roots may appeardarkly-stained, but will be strong and in noneed of filling, except for cosmetic purposes.

Recession and root decayGum infections and damage caused bybrushing our teeth too hard, may havecaused the gums to recede. This isfrequently called ‘getting long in the tooth’.

Root surfaces are softer and more porousthan the crown of the tooth. Continuedvigorous scrubbing may wear away thesurface and cause the root to becomesensitive to cold and sweet foods and drinks.

Root surfaces are usually yellowish in colourand are prone to discolouration. They absorbstains readily [eg from smoking, drinking teaand coffee and eating strongly-coloured foods].

Root surfaces are not as resistant to decayas the rest of the tooth. When active decayoccurs, root surfaces become softened andthe staining may be brownish in colour.

Sugary food + plaque bacteria

Fluoride barrier Root decay

Advanced root decay

acid attack

Recovery - teethwith inactive rootdecay

Exposed roots (sound)