DrDental, Seniors Have a Greater Risk for Root Caries
Root caries (decay) is caused by exposure of the tooth root to decay-causing acids. This happens when the tooth roots becomes exposed as gum tissue recedes from the tooth. Root decay is one of the more significant dental issue facing older adults. Some of the reasons for this is due to dentures, lack of dexterity, a shift from complex to simple sugars, and poor oral hygiene. Root caries is the major cause of tooth loss in older adults, and tooth loss is the most significant oral health-related negative variable of quality of life for the elderly