Root Caries Prevention and Treatment

By Lynn Marsh, RDH, EdD


While tooth loss was common just a generation ago, today most older adults in the United States retain their natural dentition throughout their lifetimes.1 The prevalence of gingival recession, however, increases with age.2 Many factors contribute to gingival recession, including the normal aging process, poor oral hygiene, and the presence of periodontal diseases. Individuals with gingival recession are at increased risk of root caries as recession exposes the root surfaces to the oral environment. The high prevalence of xerostomia among older adults also raises the risk of root caries in this population.

* References can be found in the original article via the link below.
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