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Aging and Oral Tissues

The document discusses the impact of aging on oral tissues, highlighting irreversible biological changes that increase disease susceptibility. It details age-related changes in teeth, enamel, dental pulp, cementum, bone, periodontal ligament, and oral mucosa, along with functional changes such as decreased salivary production and reduced taste sensation. Key clinical implications emphasize the importance of recognizing these changes for improved diagnosis and patient care in older adults.

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26 views3 pages

Aging and Oral Tissues

The document discusses the impact of aging on oral tissues, highlighting irreversible biological changes that increase disease susceptibility. It details age-related changes in teeth, enamel, dental pulp, cementum, bone, periodontal ligament, and oral mucosa, along with functional changes such as decreased salivary production and reduced taste sensation. Key clinical implications emphasize the importance of recognizing these changes for improved diagnosis and patient care in older adults.

Uploaded by

Aziza
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Lecture: Aging and Oral Tissues

1. Aging and Its Impact


 Definition: Aging is a biological process leading to irreversible
changes and increased susceptibility to diseases.
 Effects:
o Decreased adaptability.
o Development of pathological conditions.

2. Age-Related Changes in Oral Tissues


The changes can be categorized into tissue changes and functional changes.

2.1. Teeth
 Attrition: Tooth surface wear due to tooth-to-tooth contact.
o Causes: Masticatory stress and para-functional habits.
 Abrasion: Mechanical wear from external forces (e.g., brushing).
 Erosion: Tooth structure loss due to acids without bacterial
involvement.
 Abfraction: Loss of cervical tooth tissue from lateral occlusal forces.

2.2. Enamel
 Macroscopic Changes:
o Becomes darker.
o Shows signs of attrition, abrasion, erosion, and longitudinal
cracks.
 Microscopic Changes:
o Decreased enamel rod ends and permeability.
o Increased nitrogen and fluoride content.
o Greater resistance to decay.

2.3. Dental Pulp


 Reduction in size, volume, and cell number.
 Development of pulp stones (calcifications).

2.4. Cementum
 Thickness increases with age, particularly near the root apex.
 Hypercementosis:
o Abnormal thickening due to occlusal stress, complicating
extractions.
2.5. Bone
 Changes:
o Decreased bone-forming cells and increased resorption.
o Increased porosity and decreased mineral content.
o Results in attachment loss and tooth loss.
 Residual Ridge Resorption:
o Gradual reduction in alveolar bone height and facial dimensions.
o Influenced by factors like anatomy, prosthodontics, and systemic
health.

2.6. Periodontal Ligament


 Widened periodontal space under stress.
 Common issues:
o Plaque-induced gingivitis, chronic periodontitis, attachment loss,
and recession.

2.7. Oral Mucosa


 Becomes dry, thin, and less elastic.
 More prone to trauma, infections, and gingival recession.

3. Functional Changes
 Salivary Glands:
o Decreased production rates lead to xerostomia.
o Symptoms: Fissured tongue, angular cheilitis, caries, and
candidiasis.
 Taste and Tongue:
o Loss of filiform papillae and taste buds.
o Reduced ability to taste salty and bitter flavors.
 Mastication and Deglutition:
o Decreased masticatory ability and biting force.
o Swallowing becomes slower.

4. Oral Cancer
 Commonly affects individuals over 60 years old.
 Most prevalent in developing countries.

Key Clinical Implications


 Awareness of changes in oral tissues with age helps in better
diagnosis, treatment planning, and patient care.
 Common issues in older adults include periodontal diseases, dry
mouth, reduced taste sensation, and oral cancers.

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