AHA magazine Sep-Oct 2018: Activating the 'community' in community care

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Things About...

5 Things About

oral Health & Ageing

Daily brushing and flossing, together with regular visits to the dentist, are important to keep teeth healthy at any age. This is particularly important for the elderly, as good oral hygiene also maintains good health. In consultation with Dr Sylvia Tay, Senior Consultant, Dental Surgery, KTPH & Dr Sophia Yee, Registrar, Dental Surgery, KTPH

YOUR TEETH AGE, JUST AS WE DO The enamel on our teeth is one of the hardest tissues in the body. However, years of wear and tear, erosion caused by acidic foods, and poor brushing techniques can wear down this hard, protective layer. Gum tissue recedes with age, exposing the soft dentine along the roots, which is the prime target for tooth decay among seniors.

AGE-RELATED CHANGES CAN AFFECT ORAL HEALTH Physical changes associated with ageing may result in limited hand dexterity or poor vision, which can affect daily oral hygiene, resulting in accumulation of dental plaque, leading to poor oral health. In addition, reduced

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