Gerontology Flashcards

1
Q

What changes occur in cementum with age?

A

Cementum may resorb and reform in areas, especially to compensate for tooth wear.

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2
Q

How does cementum compensate for tooth wear?

A

Cementum compensates for tooth wear through deposition in apical areas.

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3
Q

What factors influence cementum resorption?

A

Age increases susceptibility and number of resorption areas in cementum.

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4
Q

What is hypercementosis and what causes it?

A

Hypercementosis is excess cementum growth, often due to local or systemic factors.

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5
Q

What changes in cementum composition have been noted with age?

A

Cementum composition changes include increased fluoride and magnesium with age.

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6
Q

How does gingival recession affect cementum?

A

Recession exposes cementum, leading to potential loss and environmental impact.

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7
Q

What changes occur in bone composition with age?

A

Bone becomes less labile, with increased fragility due to compositional changes.

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8
Q

How does physical activity affect bone mass in elderly individuals?

A

Physical activity promotes bone mass retention, decreasing with reduced activity.

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9
Q

how does bone remodelling change with age?

A

Bone remodeling slows, reducing resilience and increasing brittleness.

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10
Q

How does atrophy impact elderly bone resilience?

A

Atrophy results in slow, uncompensated resorption, leading to fragility.

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11
Q

What is the estimated mineral loss in elderly male and female bones by age 75?

A

Mineral loss is estimated at 50% in women and 40% in men by age 75.

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12
Q

How does periodontal health affect alveolar bone in elderly patients?

A

Loss of teeth and periodontal health accelerates alveolar bone loss.

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13
Q

How does aging impact oral mucosal thickness?

A

Mucosal thickness decreases, impacting protection and resilience.

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14
Q

What dental challenges arise due to oral tissue changes in elderly patients?

A

Oral tissue changes increase vulnerability to injury and healing time.

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15
Q

What factors contribute to dryness in the mouths of elderly patients?

A

Dry mouth can result from reduced salivary secretion and vascularity.

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16
Q

How do age-related taste bud changes affect elderly patients?

A

Decreased taste bud function can diminish taste sensitivity.

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17
Q

What are Fordyce’s spots, and how do they change with age?

A

Fordyce’s spots are small, painless, yellowish bumps from oil glands, usually found on the lips or cheeks. they increase in size and number, affecting appearance.

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18
Q

What are common TMJ issues faced by elderly patients?

A

TMJ dysfunction, pain, and sounds are common in those over 70.

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19
Q

How does muscle atrophy affect masticatory function in the elderly?

A

Muscle atrophy can reduce bite force, affecting chewing ability.

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20
Q

What dietary habits can contribute to TMJ issues in older adults?

A

Softer foods reduce muscle use, possibly worsening TMJ issues.

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21
Q

What factors influence patient behavior during dental treatment?

A

Patient behavior is influenced by perceived severity and past experiences.

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22
Q

What modifications are essential when examining elderly dental patients?

A

Exams may require clear communication and modified environments.

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23
Q

How should hearing impairment be accommodated during patient assessments?

A

Face the patient, speak clearly, and ensure visual cues are available.

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24
Q

Why is extra lighting important during elderly dental patient assessments?

A

Lighting helps with visibility, safety, and communication.

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25
What should be noted in the first impression of an elderly patient’s health status?
Assess physical appearance, behavior, and gait as health indicators.
26
What specific questions are useful for assessing elderly patients' oral health?
Ask about preventive habits, previous dental visits, and complaints.
27
What are the top medical issues affecting dental care for elderly patients?
Common issues include diabetes, osteoporosis, and arthritis.
28
How can diabetes influence oral health in elderly patients?
Diabetes can increase risk for infection and delayed healing.
29
Why is consultation with a physician advised before treating diabetic elderly patients?
Consult for fasting procedures or blood sugar monitoring needs.
30
How does osteoporosis impact alveolar bone in elderly patients?
Osteoporosis correlates with alveolar bone resorption risks.
31
What is the importance of regular dental visits for elderly patients?
Regular visits help manage ongoing risks and oral health issues.
32
What factors influence dental attendance among elderly patients?
Health, transport, cost, and fear affect elderly dental visits.
33
How can oral health be maintained for dependent elderly individuals?
Caregivers or modified tools may be necessary for elderly oral care.
34
What specific oral conditions are commonly observed in dependent elderly patients?
Conditions like dry mouth and gingival swelling are common.
35
What methods are used to assess plaque levels in elderly patients?
Plaque staining and removal improve elderly oral health assessment.
36
How does age-related salivary change affect oral health?
Reduced salivation increases risk for infections and dry mouth.
37
What are primary causes of dental caries in elderly individuals?
Common causes are dietary sugar, recession, and dry mouth.
38
What are effective preventive measures against root caries?
Fluoride and plaque control are key to preventing root caries.
39
What microorganisms are commonly found in root surface caries?
Actinomyces viscous and lactobacilli are linked to root caries.
40
How can fluoride help in preventing caries in the elderly?
Fluoride supports remineralization and helps prevent caries.
41
What dietary elements can impact the development of root caries?
High sugar intake increases caries risk, especially with dry mouth.
42
What role do medications play in root caries occurrence in the elderly?
Medications can reduce saliva, increasing caries susceptibility.
43
How can dentin hypersensitivity be managed in elderly patients?
Desensitizing agents and dietary changes can aid sensitivity.
44
What professional treatments are available for dentin hypersensitivity?
Fluoride varnishes and composites can block sensitivity triggers.
45
What role does tubule occlusion play in managing dentin hypersensitivity?
Blocking tubules minimizes response to stimuli in sensitivity.
46
What is abrasion, and how does it affect elderly patients?
Abrasion involves wear from external agents, harming teeth.
47
How does diet contribute to tooth erosion in elderly patients?
Acidic foods and beverages accelerate erosion in elderly teeth.
48
What preventive advice is recommended to minimize tooth erosion?
Rinsing after acidic foods instead of brushing prevents erosion.
49
What treatments are advised for worn cervical enamel in elderly?
Composites and varnishes can protect eroded enamel areas.
50
What is the impact of nail-biting and similar habits on elderly teeth?
Nail-biting and similar habits create atypical wear patterns.
51
How should toothbrush abrasion be managed in elderly patients?
Switch to softer toothbrushes to reduce further abrasion.
52
What dietary habits may accelerate enamel erosion in elderly?
Limit acidic food and drink to prevent further enamel erosion.
53
What factors are commonly associated with systemic tooth wear?
Diet, brushing, and acid exposure all contribute to tooth wear.
54
What changes in the oral cavity are associated with gastric reflux?
Stomach acid from reflux erodes enamel, mainly on lingual sides.
55
How does occlusal adjustment help in managing abfraction?
Occlusal adjustments help balance stress and prevent cracks.
56
What restorative options exist for severe enamel wear in elderly?
Onlays and crowns are options for severe enamel loss.
57
What habits may accelerate tooth surface loss in elderly?
Bruxism and acidic diets are primary wear accelerators.
58
What challenges are common in treating tooth fracture in elderly patients?
Weakened or filled teeth are prone to fractures with age.
59
How does previous dental work affect the risk of tooth fracture?
Fillings and root canals can increase fracture risk in elderly.
60
What age-related factors contribute to increased tooth fragility?
Aging reduces elasticity and increases fracture susceptibility.
61
What are suitable restorations for crown fractures in elderly patients?
Resin and metal crowns are common restorations for fractures.
62
How does TMJ function impact occlusion in elderly patients?
Proper occlusion supports even distribution of chewing forces.
63
What is the importance of managing plunger cusps in elderly occlusion?
Plunger cusp management can prevent traumatic forces.
64
What factors should be considered when choosing restorations for elderly?
Patient's needs, cost, and functionality guide restoration choice.
65
What is the most common site for dental caries in elderly patients?
Root surfaces or around previous restorations.
66
What is the typical appearance of root caries?
Yellow to light brown with softened dentin, often on proximal and facial surfaces.
67
How does root caries develop?
As a subsurface mineral loss deep to a surface zone of higher mineral content.
68
What can influence the prevalence of root caries?
Access to dental care and periodontal disease.
69
What factors may increase the risk of caries in elderly patients?
Changes in medical status, radiation therapy, and diet.
70
What are active vs inactive root caries?
Active: soft and leathery; Inactive: hard and shiny, with brown discoloration.
71
What characterizes dentin hypersensitivity?
Short, sharp pain from exposed dentin in response to thermal, tactile, or osmotic stimuli.
72
What mechanisms are thought to underlie dentin hypersensitivity?
Hydrodynamic mechanism with open dentinal tubules.
73
What are common causes of dentin exposure?
Attrition, abrasion, abfraction, and erosion.
74
What is the management of dentin hypersensitivity?
Preventive oral hygiene, desensitizing agents, and addressing erosive factors.
75
What are the main causes of tooth surface loss?
Attrition, abrasion, erosion, and abfraction.
76
What is attrition?
Loss of tooth substance due to tooth-to-tooth contact during occlusal loading.
77
What causes abrasion?
An abrasive agent acting against the tooth surface.
78
What causes erosion?
Chemical agents like industrial acids, acidic foods, or gastric reflux.
79
What is abfraction?
Theoretical cervical tooth loss due to occlusal stress, compression, or tension.
80
What systemic diseases can cause tooth surface loss?
Gastric reflux, bulimia, and anorexia.
81
How does diet influence tooth surface loss?
Acidic foods and drinks like citrus fruits and cola increase erosion risk.
82
How is toothbrush abrasion managed?
Using non-abrasive dentifrice and correcting brushing techniques.
83
What are the indications for treating tooth surface loss?
Caries, sensitivity, loss of occlusal stability, or esthetic concerns.
84
What is a common treatment for extensive tooth surface loss?
Adhesive restorations and occlusal splints for bruxism.
85
What are the common causes of tooth fractures in the elderly?
Age-related changes, previous restorations, caries, and occlusal disharmonies.
86
What is enamel flaking?
Fracture of small enamel slivers from incisal or buccal edges.
87
Why are endodontically treated teeth at greater risk of fracture?
Loss of tooth structure due to root canal therapy.
88
What is the treatment for fractured teeth with minimal loss?
Bonded restorations or extensions to cover the fracture.
89
When are pins used in fracture management?
For severe loss of tooth structure, but used cautiously due to brittleness.
90
What is ideal occlusion in natural dentition?
Even contacts between posterior teeth, with posterior separation in lateral excursions.
91
What are plunger cusps?
Overerupted cusps that cause occlusal interferences and require reduction.
92
What is the effect of occlusal disharmonies on restorations?
They increase the risk of tooth and restoration fractures.
93
Why is occlusal reduction important in elderly patients?
To eliminate interferences and allow more restorative material.
94
What are common challenges in managing missing teeth in elderly patients?
Periodontal health, systemic health, and financial limitations.
95
What types of dentures can be used for elderly patients?
Two-part dentures, locking dentures, rotational path dentures, and overdentures.
96
What is an overdenture?
A denture that rests on prepared root surfaces, usually following endodontic therapy.
97
How does implant healing differ in elderly patients?
Implants may require 3-4 extra months for osseointegration.
98
What is a conservative approach for managing worn teeth?
Bite-plane appliances to recreate lost space and adhesive restorations.