Caries

Recent surveys indicate that the incidence of caries (decay) are increasing in the elderly population. The rate of dental caries is higher among men than among women (see figure). The current increase in life expectancy and the retention of teeth in older age groups help explain this phenomenon.

In addition, as people age they may have gingival recession related to periodontal disease that exposes the root surface of the tooth and increases risk for root caries. Older adults with impairment of their salivary glands are at greater risk for caries.

In addition, as people age they may have gingival recession related to periodontal disease that exposes the root surface of the tooth and increases risk for root caries. Older adults with impairment of their salivary glands are at greater risk for caries.

Caries leading to abcesses

The bacterial infection of dental caries may spread beyond the tooth and cause an infection in the pulp (interior structures) of the tooth. Over time the pulp will become necrotic and the infected tooth will create an abscess. In the elderly, the infection may progress so slowly that it occurs without much notice until it is quite severe. Treatment of an abscess consists of either extraction of the tooth or a root canal (endodontic therapy). Such treatment may be more difficult in the elderly due to changes in the internal tissues of the tooth.