FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Saturday, October 18, 1997
CONTACT:
Chris Martin
Jann Ingmire
DC Convention Center
202/371-4509
Chicago Office
312/440-2806
Dentistry's New Challenge: Treating Older Adults
WASHINGTON -- Researchers say the fastest growing segment of the population is the over-85 age group. Dentists are finding these patients present some of the most difficult and challenging clinical situations, according to an Iowa prosthodontist. Patrick Lloyd, D.D.S., will present a scientific session on "What's Old is New: Clinical Issues in Treating the Older Adult," at the American Dental Association's (ADA) 138th Annual Session in Washington, D.C., Saturday, October 18. Dr. Lloyd says dentistry has never seen as many older adults keeping their natural teeth.
"What's interesting is that this older population is also the most educated we've ever had in this country," Dr. Lloyd observes. "This group of older adults, ranging from retirement age through those who have reached 100 years or beyond, is better able to judge what kind of dental care they need. They've also had the opportunity to enhance the quality of their lives by taking care of their oral health."
Dr. Lloyd cites a survey by researchers at the University of North Carolina asking older adults how good oral care affects their lives. "The number-one response to this survey is that people want to look their best. It doesn't matter whether you're 25 or 125, you want to look good and you want to have a nice smile," Dr. Lloyd says. Those surveyed also said they want to continue to eat the variety of foods they've enjoyed eating all their lives. "That means taking care of your teeth so you can still chew the foods you like," Dr. Lloyd comments.
Dr. Lloyd says older adults are often on several medications, which can affect their oral health and the way dental treatment is rendered. Older adults on some medications are more susceptible to dry mouth, which can lead to tooth decay because there isn't enough saliva to wash away food and neutralize the acids produced by plaque. Many older adults experience a change in their sense of taste, which can be caused by some medications.
Dr. Lloyd points out that several independent studies have refuted the long-time claim that periodontal (gum) disease is the major cause of tooth loss in older adults. He says dental decay is the most common reason teeth are extracted in these patients. Older adults have more physical and cognitive impairments, everything from arthritis to stroke, which can make brushing and cleaning between teeth difficult, according to Dr. Lloyd.
"But it's important for older adults to find ways to adapt, such as enlarging the toothbrush handle with a rubber ball so it's easier to grasp or using a commercially made floss holder." "I have found in my practice that older adults have the most realistic expectations of what I as a dentist can do for them," Dr. Lloyd says. "They are most appreciative of anything I can do that helps them keep their own teeth, enhances their appearance or improves their ability to chew." Dr. Lloyd says more research is needed on older patients' dental needs as that segment of the population continues to increase and more people expect to keep their own teeth.
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