We all know that both the elderly and children can develop cavities. The Ministry of Health announced that the Third National Oral Health Epidemiological Survey Report indicates that compared to the prevalence of dental caries among preschoolers and elementary school students, the rate among middle-aged and elderly Chinese remains on the rise, reaching as high as 98.4%.
Among the 35-44 age group in China, the caries prevalence rate is 88.1%, with a root caries prevalence rate of 32.7%. Experts indicate that starting from middle age, one in three people develop root caries, which is linked to gum recession. "Gum recession doesn't suddenly occur in old age; it's a gradual process."As people age, gums recede, exposing tooth roots at the neck of the tooth within the oral cavity. This makes root surfaces prone to plaque accumulation, leading to root caries.
According to conventional standards, individuals over 65 should retain 20 functional teeth—those capable of normal chewing—excluding loose teeth.This survey revealed that while the number of remaining teeth in this group was also around 20, not all were functional teeth.
Caring for teeth and maintaining oral health is essential for everyone. Experts offer the following recommendations:
1. Maintain proper brushing habits.Brush twice daily, morning and night; use fluoride toothpaste; brush vertically along the gum line with gentle, slow strokes, avoiding sawing motions; ensure each brushing session lasts at least 3 minutes to massage the gums. 2. Use dental floss. After meals, remove food particles lodged between teeth with floss or toothpicks.
3. Chew xylitol gum to prevent cavities, or regularly tap your teeth.
4. Visit the dentist every six months to a year. Seek immediate dental care if you experience bleeding gums, sensitivity to hot/cold, or pain while chewing.