Overview
Root caries affects a significant proportion of older adults, particularly those aged 75 and older, contributing substantially to tooth loss and diminished oral health-related quality of life 1.Diagnosis
Clinical examination focusing on root surface integrity 1.
Assessment of salivary flow rate, buffering capacity, and microbial counts (mutans streptococci, lactobacilli, yeasts) 2.
Evaluation of humoral immunity, including IgA, IgG, and IgM antibody activities against specific pathogens 3.Management
Preventive Measures: Enhanced fluoride use, including topical fluoride applications and fluoride varnishes 1.
Dietary Counseling: Reducing sugar intake to minimize cariogenic challenges 1.
Professional Care: Regular dental cleanings and examinations to detect and treat early lesions 1.
Microbial Control: Antimicrobial therapies targeting high salivary mutans streptococci and yeast counts may be considered 2.Special Populations
Elderly: Increased prevalence and significant impact on quality of life; tailored preventive strategies are crucial 12.
Salivary Factors: Lower salivary flow rates do not correlate directly with root caries incidence, but high microbial counts are significant risk factors 2.Key Recommendations
Implement comprehensive preventive strategies including fluoride treatments for older adults to reduce root caries incidence (Evidence: Strong 1).
Monitor and manage salivary microbial counts, particularly mutans streptococci and yeasts, in elderly patients as part of risk assessment (Evidence: Moderate 2).
Regular dental evaluations and professional cleanings are essential for early detection and management of root caries in older adults (Evidence: Expert opinion 1).References
1 Gregory D, Hyde S. Root Caries in Older Adults. Journal of the California Dental Association 2015. link
2 Närhi TO, Vehkalahti MM, Siukosaari P, Ainamo A. Salivary findings, daily medication and root caries in the old elderly. Caries research 1998. link
3 Butler JE, Spradling JE, Peterman JH, Joshi KS, Satam M, Challacombe SJ. Humoral immunity in root caries in an elderly population. 1. Oral microbiology and immunology 1990. link