Ageing dentition

• What happens to enamel as a patient ages?

  Enamel becomes thinner and discoloured
• Why does aging enamel become susceptible to fractures?

  It becomes thinner and wears over time
• How does the thinning of enamel affect tooth discolouration?

  Dentine becomes closer to the surface, causing discolouration
• What happens to the pulp chamber as a patient ages?

  The pulp chamber becomes smaller
• How does aging affect nerve innervation and blood supply to the pulp?

  Both reduce as the pulp chamber shrinks
• What occurs to periodontal tissue as a patient ages?

  Periodontal tissue recession occurs
• What is a consequence of periodontal tissue recession?

  It results in sensitivity of exposed dentine
• How does reduced fibroblast production affect healing in elderly patients?

  Healing is slower and requires more treatments
• What is the effect of increased osteoclast function in elderly patients?

  It leads to greater bone loss
• What can bone loss in elderly patients lead to?

  Mobility of teeth and potential extraction
• What is a common issue for elderly patients regarding dentition?

  They are likely to have missing teeth
• How does missing dentition affect remaining teeth in elderly patients?

  More occlusal forces are applied to remaining teeth
• What is a consequence of increased occlusal forces on remaining teeth?

  It can lead to tooth surface loss
• Why are elderly patients with dentures at risk for candida infections?

  Due to their reduced immune response
• What condition occurs due to reduced salivary gland function in elderly patients?

  Xerostomia or dry mouth occurs
• How does xerostomia increase caries risk?

  It reduces saliva's buffering and sweeping effect
• What is a consequence of gingival recession in elderly patients?

  It causes sensitivity due to exposed dentinal tubules
• How does gingival recession contribute to root caries?

  Roots lack enamel, increasing caries risk
• What dietary habit increases caries risk in elderly patients?

  Eating smaller meals more frequently
• How does thinner enamel affect tooth brushing in elderly patients?

  Teeth are more vulnerable to abrasion
• What happens to masticatory muscles in elderly patients?

  They become smaller
• How does reduced PDL attachment affect teeth in elderly patients?

  Teeth may become mobile
• What is the relationship between aging and periodontal disease?

  Increased chance of periodontal disease occurs