The radicular caries in the elderly affect the surface of the tooth root, which is normally protected by the gum. When the gum retreats, this area can become exposed to the oral environment and more vulnerable to the action of the acids produced by the bacterial plaque.

The risk does not depend on the age of the anagram itself. Gegival recession, dry mouth, drugs, frequent intake of sugars, manual difficulties and prostheses can be combined differently from person to person. For this prevention and control, they must be adapted to the general conditions and the ability to maintain daily hygiene.

Recognising the risky surfaces early allows you to intervene before the injury becomes more extended. This guide deepens the specific intent of the third age and integrates, without replacing, the general guide to dental caries published by Studio Stere.

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What is radicular caries

The tooth crown is covered with enamel, while the root is covered with cement and dentine, less mineralized fabrics. If the root remains discovered and the plaque remains, demineralization can begin and progress with characteristics other than coronal caries.

The lesion may appear as a matte, yellowish or brownish area near the gum margin, but the color alone does not allow a diagnosis. Some surfaces are hard and inactive, other soft and active; the distinction requires clinical examination, drying, tactile evaluation prudent and, when indicated, X-rays.

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Why radicular caries is more frequent in the elderly

Keeping teeth longer is a positive result, but increases the number of radicular surfaces that can become exposed over time. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research considers caries a condition still relevant in the elderly population. The risk grows especially when more factors are added.

Recession gum and exposed roots

The gum may retire in relation to periodontitis, traumatic brushing, dental position, restorations, smoking or other factors. The exposed radicular surface does not automatically develop a caries, but loses the anatomical protection of the gum and needs effective but delicate cleaning.

Dry mouth and drugs

The saliva helps to dilute sugars, neutralize acids and promote remineralization. Many drugs and certain systemic conditions can reduce their quantity or quality. The dry mouth should not be managed by suspending a therapy autonomously: it serves a comparison with dentist and doctor prescribed.

More complex manuals, prostheses and hygiene

Arthritis, tremors, reduction of sight or cognitive difficulty can make cleaning less effective. Bridges, removable prostheses, tilted teeth and extended restorations create difficult areas to reach. Adapted handles and tools chosen on the case can make the routine more manageable.

Frequency of sugars and habits

Not only does the quantity count: frequent intakes of sweet drinks, candies, cookies or products to dissolve slowly expose teeth to acids. Syrupted drugs or chewable supplements can also contribute; they should not be eliminated without consulting, but reported during the history.

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Which teeth and surfaces can be involved

Radicular caries can appear on front or rear teeth, especially along the gum and interproximal areas. The surfaces close to a prosthetic or difficult to cleanse deserve special attention. More exposed roots do not necessarily mean more active injuries.

A cervical stain may also be an abrasion, erosion, a discromy or an injury arrested. To avoid unnecessary treatments, the dentist assesses consistency, position, activity and possibility of plaque control before proposing an intervention.

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Symptoms and signals: why can remain silent

In the early stages radicular caries may not give pain. In other cases you feel cold, warm, sweet or toothbrush contact. Food that always stops at the same point, irregular margins or an area that changes appearance are reasonable reasons to plan a control.

The absence of sensitivity does not exclude a lesion, especially if the vitality of the tooth is reduced or the perception of pain is altered. Spontaneous pain, swelling, secretion, fever or difficulty opening the mouth require a timely evaluation; they do not allow a remote diagnosis.

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How is diagnosed

Diagnosis starts from anamnesis: drugs, pathologies, diet, symptoms of dry mouth, autonomy in hygiene and previous caries. The exam evaluates gums, plate, exposed roots, restorations and prostheses. X-rays are used only when they can add useful information, considering clinical indication and radiation protection.

The risk is dynamic. An exposed but clean surface may remain stable, while an initial injury may stop if changing oral environment and plate control. Documenting headquarters and activities allows comparisons over time and a proportional choice between monitoring, professional prevention and restorative treatment.

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How to prevent radicular caries

Prevention combines hygiene, fluorine, diet, saliva management and calibrated risk calls. The indications of the Ministry of Health on oral prevention offer a general picture; operational choice must take into account fragility, drugs and daily capacity.

Hygiene three times a day and dental cleaning

In the STERE domicile protocol, unless personalized clinical indication, the teeth brush three times a day with delicate movements even along the gum. Scovolino or wire are chosen according to the spaces and the dexterity, avoiding pressures that can traumatize the tissues.

Fluoro and products chosen by the professional

Fluoreated toothpaste is a central tool, but concentration, quantity and possible professional products depend on individual risk. Gels, paints or toothpastes with high concentration should not be introduced without indication, especially in the presence of difficulties in swallowing.

Dry mouth management

Drinking according to medical indications, limiting alcohol and tobacco and recognizing the stimuli that worsen dryness can help. Salt substitutes or stimulant products are not suitable for everyone. The dentist can coordinate with the doctor without independently modifying the prescribed medications.

Individual risk-based controls

There is no identical interval for every elder. Those presenting new lesions, marked dry mouth, reduced autonomy or many exposed roots may require closer controls than a stable person. The frequency is reassessed according to the changes observed.

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How it is without promising an equal solution for all

An initial and accessible lesion can be handled with plate control, fluorine and professional monitoring. If it is cavitated, active, difficult to clean or close to the pulp, it can serve a restoration or another therapy. The decision considers the tooth prognosis, comfort, collaboration, general health and personal preferences.

Removing each discromy is not a correct goal: a hard and stable area can be controlled, while a smooth and progressive injury requires a different plan. No treatment guarantees that caries do not return; maintenance remains an integral part of care.

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Evaluation at Studio Stere di Lecce

At Studio Odontoiatrico Stere, Via Giovanni Boccaccio 19 C/D/E in Lecce, the evaluation integrates radicular surfaces, gums, saliva, prostheses, diet and hygiene skills. Dr. Nicolò Stefanelli, Dr. Rosanna Renò and the staff have each matured over ten years of experience in the Italian dental industry. The studio welcomes people from Lecce, Salento and Puglia; information and contacts are available on Scholarship. it.

If a distinct orthodontic need arises, transparent aligners are evaluated by the competent professional: Invisalign is one of the systems used after clinical indication and does not represent a therapy for radicular caries.

Bringing the updated list of drugs and describing diet changes, salivation or autonomy helps build a realistic plan. When a caregiver is present, its involvement can be agreed in respect of the will, dignity and privacy of the person.

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Frequently asked questions about radicular caries in the elderly

Does the discovered root always develop a caries?

No. An exposed root is more vulnerable to enamel, but can remain healthy if plaque, sugar and dry mouth are controlled. The risk should be assessed over time.

Does radicular caries always hurt?

No. It can be asymptomatic or cause sensitivity. For this reason the absence of pain does not replace control, especially when there are gum recessions.

A dark spot near the gum is definitely carious?

No. It may be active or arrested caries, pigmentation, abrasion or other alteration. Color and photography are not enough to choose a therapy.

Does the dry mouth increase the risk?

Yes, it can reduce the protection offered by saliva. It is necessary to identify the causes with dentist and doctor, without interrupting drugs or starting products independently.

How much do you need control?

The range depends on new injuries, saliva, exposed roots, hygiene and general conditions. The dentist defines and updates the frequency based on individual risk.

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At Studio Odontoiatrico Stere you can find a complete range of preventive and curative dental treatments.

If you are looking for a dentist in Lecce to improve oral hygiene, prevent caries and gum inflammations or choose home products that suit your needs, the Studio Stere team can accompany you with a customized evaluation. Learn more about Scholarship. it and book your visit to control.

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Article written by Dr. Nicolò Stefanelli – Dentistry

 

"Take Care"

– Studio Stere –