Risk factors for and the prevention of root caries in older adults

With the absolute and relative number of elderly people rising in most countries, it is essential that dental practitioners be knowledgeable about the normal changes and disease processes that occur in aging individuals. Especially prevalent in the aging population is root surface caries. Several variables may increase the risk of developing root surface caries. Among these are poor oral hygiene, microbial plaque, periodontal disease, gender (male), coronal caries, dietary habits, xerostomia, low socio-economic status, and infrequent dental visits. While each of these has an effect, plaque seems to have the greatest influence on the susceptibility of teeth to root decay. Improved oral hygiene and regular dental visits, combined with the use of fluoride, may continuously convert active root caries lesions to inactive. In fact, prophylactic programs are more effective in converting active to inactive rather than preventing the development of new lesions. The conscientious dental practitioner must identify his/her older patients at risk for developing root lesions and place a major emphasis on the prevention and treatment thereof.