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
Q

What should be noted in the first impression of an elderly patient’s health status?

A

Assess physical appearance, behavior, and gait as health indicators.

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26
Q

What specific questions are useful for assessing elderly patients’ oral health?

A

Ask about preventive habits, previous dental visits, and complaints.

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27
Q

What are the top medical issues affecting dental care for elderly patients?

A

Common issues include diabetes, osteoporosis, and arthritis.

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28
Q

How can diabetes influence oral health in elderly patients?

A

Diabetes can increase risk for infection and delayed healing.

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29
Q

Why is consultation with a physician advised before treating diabetic elderly patients?

A

Consult for fasting procedures or blood sugar monitoring needs.

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30
Q

How does osteoporosis impact alveolar bone in elderly patients?

A

Osteoporosis correlates with alveolar bone resorption risks.

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31
Q

What is the importance of regular dental visits for elderly patients?

A

Regular visits help manage ongoing risks and oral health issues.

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32
Q

What factors influence dental attendance among elderly patients?

A

Health, transport, cost, and fear affect elderly dental visits.

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33
Q

How can oral health be maintained for dependent elderly individuals?

A

Caregivers or modified tools may be necessary for elderly oral care.

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34
Q

What specific oral conditions are commonly observed in dependent elderly patients?

A

Conditions like dry mouth and gingival swelling are common.

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35
Q

What methods are used to assess plaque levels in elderly patients?

A

Plaque staining and removal improve elderly oral health assessment.

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36
Q

How does age-related salivary change affect oral health?

A

Reduced salivation increases risk for infections and dry mouth.

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37
Q

What are primary causes of dental caries in elderly individuals?

A

Common causes are dietary sugar, recession, and dry mouth.

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38
Q

What are effective preventive measures against root caries?

A

Fluoride and plaque control are key to preventing root caries.

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39
Q

What microorganisms are commonly found in root surface caries?

A

Actinomyces viscous and lactobacilli are linked to root caries.

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40
Q

How can fluoride help in preventing caries in the elderly?

A

Fluoride supports remineralization and helps prevent caries.

41
Q

What dietary elements can impact the development of root caries?

A

High sugar intake increases caries risk, especially with dry mouth.

42
Q

What role do medications play in root caries occurrence in the elderly?

A

Medications can reduce saliva, increasing caries susceptibility.

43
Q

How can dentin hypersensitivity be managed in elderly patients?

A

Desensitizing agents and dietary changes can aid sensitivity.

44
Q

What professional treatments are available for dentin hypersensitivity?

A

Fluoride varnishes and composites can block sensitivity triggers.

45
Q

What role does tubule occlusion play in managing dentin hypersensitivity?

A

Blocking tubules minimizes response to stimuli in sensitivity.

46
Q

What is abrasion, and how does it affect elderly patients?

A

Abrasion involves wear from external agents, harming teeth.

47
Q

How does diet contribute to tooth erosion in elderly patients?

A

Acidic foods and beverages accelerate erosion in elderly teeth.

48
Q

What preventive advice is recommended to minimize tooth erosion?

A

Rinsing after acidic foods instead of brushing prevents erosion.

49
Q

What treatments are advised for worn cervical enamel in elderly?

A

Composites and varnishes can protect eroded enamel areas.

50
Q

What is the impact of nail-biting and similar habits on elderly teeth?

A

Nail-biting and similar habits create atypical wear patterns.

51
Q

How should toothbrush abrasion be managed in elderly patients?

A

Switch to softer toothbrushes to reduce further abrasion.

52
Q

What dietary habits may accelerate enamel erosion in elderly?

A

Limit acidic food and drink to prevent further enamel erosion.

53
Q

What factors are commonly associated with systemic tooth wear?

A

Diet, brushing, and acid exposure all contribute to tooth wear.

54
Q

What changes in the oral cavity are associated with gastric reflux?

A

Stomach acid from reflux erodes enamel, mainly on lingual sides.

55
Q

How does occlusal adjustment help in managing abfraction?

A

Occlusal adjustments help balance stress and prevent cracks.

56
Q

What restorative options exist for severe enamel wear in elderly?

A

Onlays and crowns are options for severe enamel loss.

57
Q

What habits may accelerate tooth surface loss in elderly?

A

Bruxism and acidic diets are primary wear accelerators.

58
Q

What challenges are common in treating tooth fracture in elderly patients?

A

Weakened or filled teeth are prone to fractures with age.

59
Q

How does previous dental work affect the risk of tooth fracture?

A

Fillings and root canals can increase fracture risk in elderly.

60
Q

What age-related factors contribute to increased tooth fragility?

A

Aging reduces elasticity and increases fracture susceptibility.

61
Q

What are suitable restorations for crown fractures in elderly patients?

A

Resin and metal crowns are common restorations for fractures.

62
Q

How does TMJ function impact occlusion in elderly patients?

A

Proper occlusion supports even distribution of chewing forces.

63
Q

What is the importance of managing plunger cusps in elderly occlusion?

A

Plunger cusp management can prevent traumatic forces.

64
Q

What factors should be considered when choosing restorations for elderly?

A

Patient’s needs, cost, and functionality guide restoration choice.

65
Q

What is the most common site for dental caries in elderly patients?

A

Root surfaces or around previous restorations.

66
Q

What is the typical appearance of root caries?

A

Yellow to light brown with softened dentin, often on proximal and facial surfaces.

67
Q

How does root caries develop?

A

As a subsurface mineral loss deep to a surface zone of higher mineral content.

68
Q

What can influence the prevalence of root caries?

A

Access to dental care and periodontal disease.

69
Q

What factors may increase the risk of caries in elderly patients?

A

Changes in medical status, radiation therapy, and diet.

70
Q

What are active vs inactive root caries?

A

Active: soft and leathery; Inactive: hard and shiny, with brown discoloration.

71
Q

What characterizes dentin hypersensitivity?

A

Short, sharp pain from exposed dentin in response to thermal, tactile, or osmotic stimuli.

72
Q

What mechanisms are thought to underlie dentin hypersensitivity?

A

Hydrodynamic mechanism with open dentinal tubules.

73
Q

What are common causes of dentin exposure?

A

Attrition, abrasion, abfraction, and erosion.

74
Q

What is the management of dentin hypersensitivity?

A

Preventive oral hygiene, desensitizing agents, and addressing erosive factors.

75
Q

What are the main causes of tooth surface loss?

A

Attrition, abrasion, erosion, and abfraction.

76
Q

What is attrition?

A

Loss of tooth substance due to tooth-to-tooth contact during occlusal loading.

77
Q

What causes abrasion?

A

An abrasive agent acting against the tooth surface.

78
Q

What causes erosion?

A

Chemical agents like industrial acids, acidic foods, or gastric reflux.

79
Q

What is abfraction?

A

Theoretical cervical tooth loss due to occlusal stress, compression, or tension.

80
Q

What systemic diseases can cause tooth surface loss?

A

Gastric reflux, bulimia, and anorexia.

81
Q

How does diet influence tooth surface loss?

A

Acidic foods and drinks like citrus fruits and cola increase erosion risk.

82
Q

How is toothbrush abrasion managed?

A

Using non-abrasive dentifrice and correcting brushing techniques.

83
Q

What are the indications for treating tooth surface loss?

A

Caries, sensitivity, loss of occlusal stability, or esthetic concerns.

84
Q

What is a common treatment for extensive tooth surface loss?

A

Adhesive restorations and occlusal splints for bruxism.

85
Q

What are the common causes of tooth fractures in the elderly?

A

Age-related changes, previous restorations, caries, and occlusal disharmonies.

86
Q

What is enamel flaking?

A

Fracture of small enamel slivers from incisal or buccal edges.

87
Q

Why are endodontically treated teeth at greater risk of fracture?

A

Loss of tooth structure due to root canal therapy.

88
Q

What is the treatment for fractured teeth with minimal loss?

A

Bonded restorations or extensions to cover the fracture.

89
Q

When are pins used in fracture management?

A

For severe loss of tooth structure, but used cautiously due to brittleness.

90
Q

What is ideal occlusion in natural dentition?

A

Even contacts between posterior teeth, with posterior separation in lateral excursions.

91
Q

What are plunger cusps?

A

Overerupted cusps that cause occlusal interferences and require reduction.

92
Q

What is the effect of occlusal disharmonies on restorations?

A

They increase the risk of tooth and restoration fractures.

93
Q

Why is occlusal reduction important in elderly patients?

A

To eliminate interferences and allow more restorative material.

94
Q

What are common challenges in managing missing teeth in elderly patients?

A

Periodontal health, systemic health, and financial limitations.

95
Q

What types of dentures can be used for elderly patients?

A

Two-part dentures, locking dentures, rotational path dentures, and overdentures.

96
Q

What is an overdenture?

A

A denture that rests on prepared root surfaces, usually following endodontic therapy.

97
Q

How does implant healing differ in elderly patients?

A

Implants may require 3-4 extra months for osseointegration.

98
Q

What is a conservative approach for managing worn teeth?

A

Bite-plane appliances to recreate lost space and adhesive restorations.