Protecting oral health throughout the ages

Children

According to GOV.UK, around 77% of 5-year-old children in England are free from obvious tooth decay.[i]However, for those who are still suffering from poor oral health (mainly children from deprived areas), oral complications can cause pain and discomfort, sleepless nights and missed school days.ⁱ

As you know, the consumption of sugar is perhaps the largest risk to oral health in all age groups, but especially in children.[ii] Unfortunately, sugar is heavily prevalent in many foods and drinks marketed to infants and young children. A survey conducted by Action on Sugar found that a range of infant and baby foods were incredibly high in sugar –[iii] for instance, one product contained 59g of sugar per 100g. When buying products, parents/guardians are influenced by messages such as ‘no added sugar’, ‘one of your five-a-day’ and ‘no artificial preservatives/colours/flavours’.ⁱⁱⁱ However, the researchers noted that many parents may be misled by what’s written on the front of the product. Free sugars, found in fruit juice concentrates and processed dried fruit, are not legally required to be included on the nutrition table found on packaging – Action on Sugar found that 88% of the products they surveyed didn’t list ‘sugar’ in their ingredients, despite many being sweetened with free sugars.

Teenagers

The teenage years are a formative time for individuals – emotionally, mentally and physically. Among the numerous changes that young adults must face, their oral health can bear the brunt of many new lifestyle habits. Research has suggested during middle adolescence, risk-taking behaviours can increase,[iv] such as smoking, drinking and drug taking. According to the literature, habits such as smoking are often associated with other unhealthy behaviours, such as alcohol consumption and the use of other tobacco products.[v] Findings from GOV.UK note that between April and March 2021, 11,013 young adults were in contact with alcohol and drug services (a reduction from the previous year).[vi] Cannabis was the most common substance reported by young adults attending treatment, around 89%.^vi As you know, smoking cannabis could potentially harm the periodontium,[vii] with increased adverse risks such as xerostomia, ulcers and inflammation of the soft tissues within the mouth.^vii

Not all individuals engage in such behaviours, but there are other risks factors for poor oral health in young adults. These can include poor dietary behaviours and hygiene habits, in addition to the complications commonly associated with fixed orthodontic treatment.[viii] The prevalence of caries during childhood is another factor that can predispose teenagers to caries, and affect them into adulthood.^iv

The elderly

The UK’s aging population presents unique challenges to the dental team, with many individuals still retaining their natural dentition. However, there are multiple factors that increase their risk of oral complications. Polypharmacy, for example, could impact salivary flow in older patients following the intake of multiple xerogenic medications.[ix] Periodontitis is also common within the older age groups, potentially triggered by age-related biological changes in the periodontal tissues and immune responses.[x] Root caries is another dental issue encountered by older adults, with the literature noting the use of dentures, an unhealthy diet and poor dexterity and oral health as the main causes.[xi] Older patients may be less tolerant to certain dental treatments, such as those that require sedation or general anaesthesia, requiring a more tailored approach from the dental team. Placing a filling, for example, is a relatively straightforward procedure, but older individuals may experience discomfort. Non-clinical risk factors for poor oral health could include issues with accessibility, which can impede regular dental visits and prevent patients from receiving the care they need.[xii]

Materials of the trade

When it comes to restorative procedures, you need products that are tried and tested, helping you to treat all patients efficiently and effectively.

3M Oral Care offers clinicians the Ketac Universal Aplicap Glass Ionomer Restorative by 3M, formulated to simplify handling and save time.* With no need for conditioner, coating or layering, the Ketac Universal Aplicap Glass Ionomer Restorative from 3M provides fewer steps for a simpler, faster procedure.* There’s also lower stickiness for easier placement, with self-adhesion and self-curing.* For 24 months after placement, fluoride is continuously released to help protect patients from the formation of caries. For an incredibly strong and straightforward restorative material, choose the Ketac Universal Aplicap Glass Ionomer Restorative from 3M.

Each generation is as different as the next, but the one thing that unites them all is their susceptibility to oral disease. With the right materials at hand, you can deliver treatment that truly makes an impact, for patients from all walks of life.

For more information, call 08705 360 036 or visit https://www.3m.co.uk/3M/en_GB/dental-uk/products/glass-ionomers/ketac-universal/

End

3M, and Ketac are trademarks of the 3M Company.
*3M internal data

[i] GOV.UK. (n.d.). Child oral health: applying All Our Health. [online] Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/child-oral-health-applying-all-our-health/child-oral-health-applying-all-our-health#:~:text=While%2077%25%20of%205%20year [Accessed 30 Nov. 2022].

[ii] Mishra, M. and Mishra, S. (2011). Sugar-Sweetened Beverages: General and Oral Health Hazards in Children and Adolescents. International Journal of Clinical Pediatric Dentistry, [online] 4(2), pp.119–123. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5030497/#B3 [Accessed 30 Nov. 2022].

[iii] www.actiononsugar.org. (n.d.). Baby & Toddler Sweet Snacks – Action on Sugar. [online] Available at: https://www.actiononsugar.org/surveys/2021/baby–toddler-sweet-snacks/#d.en.929872 [Accessed 1 Dec. 2022].

[iv] Oral Health Across the Lifespan: Adolescents. (2021). [online] www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research(US). Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK578291/ [Accessed 25 Jun. 2022].

[v] Heikkinen, A.M.K. (2011). Oral health, smoking and adolescence. helda.helsinki.fi. [online] Available at: https://helda.helsinki.fi/handle/10138/27848 [Accessed 1 Dec. 2022].

[vi] Office for Health Improvement & Disparities (2022). Young people’s substance misuse treatment statistics 2020 to 2021: report. [online] GOV.UK. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/substance-misuse-treatment-for-young-people-statistics-2020-to-2021/young-peoples-substance-misuse-treatment-statistics-2020-to-2021-report [Accessed 1 Dec. 2022].

[vii] Keboa, M.T., Enriquez, N., Martel, M., Nicolau, B. and Macdonald, M.E. (2020). Oral Health Implications of Cannabis Smoking: A Rapid Evidence Review. Journal (Canadian Dental Association), [online] 86, p.k2. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32119643/ [Accessed 1 Dec. 2022].

[viii] Sbricoli, L., Bernardi, L., Ezeddine, F., Bacci, C. and Di Fiore, A. (2022). Oral Hygiene in Adolescence: A Questionnaire-Based Study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, [online] 19(12), p.7381. Available at: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/19/12/7381/pdf [Accessed 1 Dec. 2022].

[ix] Laugisch, O., Holtfreter, B., Pink, C., Samietz, S., Völzke, H. and Kocher, T. (2021). Polypharmacy and saliva volumes in the northeast of Germany – The Study of Health in Pomerania. Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology. [online] Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33829548/ [Accessed 1 Dec. 2022].

[x] Grusovin, M.G. (2018). The Treatment of Periodontal Diseases in Elderly Patients. Oral Rehabilitation for Compromised and Elderly Patients, [online] pp.29–47. Available at: https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-319-76129-9_3#:~:text=Periodontal%20disease%20is%20a%20chronic,challenge%20that%20causes%20periodontal%20diseases. [Accessed 1 Dec. 2022].

[xi] Gati, D. and Vieira, A.R. (2011). Elderly at greater risk for root caries: a look at the multifactorial risks with emphasis on genetics susceptibility. International journal of dentistry, [online] 2011, p.647168. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21754932 [Accessed 1 Dec. 2022].

[xii] Koistinen, S., Ståhlnacke, K., Olai, L., Ehrenberg, A. and Carlsson, E. (2021). Older people’s experiences of oral health and assisted daily oral care in short-term facilities. BMC Geriatrics, [online] 21(1). Available at: https://bmcgeriatr.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12877-021-02281-z [Accessed 1 Dec. 2022].