Bleeding gums and loose teeth are not a normal part of ageing. Dr Prameetha George Ittycheria explains why brushing alone may miss plaque and how older adults can protect their oral health.
Age-related crowding can be normal. Loose teeth, new gaps, bleeding gums or a changed bite may point to periodontal disease or another problem that needs a dental assessment.
A periodontal practice found that tactile instruments can leave calculus behind even when roots feel smooth. Endoscopic visualization and 24% EDTA now support a more exact approach to healing, while current guidance keeps subgingival instrumentation at the center of periodontal therapy.
Nearly half of elite athletes have dental caries that require treatment, while gingivitis affects more than three quarters, according to Professor Ian Needleman.
A ten-year study from Japan finds that bleeding and receding gums are closely linked to a higher risk of developing dementia, including Alzheimer's disease.
