Geriatric Oral Health

Previous Page
Next Page

Caries: Causes, Symptoms, and Complications

Geriatric Oral Health Common Oral Problems Caries: Causes, Symptoms, and Complications

Etiology

  • Dietary carbohydrates are metabolized by bacteria into acids which destroy tooth structure.
  • Root caries is seen in 15.5% of those over 65.
    • Multiple causes, including medications, health conditions, poor diet, and infrequent or ineffective brushing.
    • Gingival recession exposes susceptible root surfaces.
    • Root caries progresses rapidly.
  • Left untreated, caries can cause pain, infection, difficulty eating, and tooth loss.

Symptoms

  • Mild disease is often asymptomatic
  • Pain with eating, temperature change, or spontaneously

Complications

  • Cellulitis
  • Abscess

References

MacDonald, D.E. Principles of geriatric dentistry and their application to the older adult with a physical disability. Clin Geriatr Med 2006; 22:413-434

Healthy People 2023. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://odphp.health.gov/healthypeople/objectives-and-data/browse-objectives/oral-conditions/reduce-proportion-older-adults-untreated-root-surface-decay-oh-04

Previous Page
Back to Lesson
Next Page