Why are root caries more common in the elderly?

Why are root caries more common in the elderly?

• A. Gingival recession exposes root surfaces, and root caries progress rapidly
• B. Extra enamel on roots
• C. Increased fluoride intake
• D. Fewer bacteria that cause caries

Answer: (A)

Gingival recession in aging frequently exposes root surfaces. On the root, enamel is absent and the covering is cementum with underlying dentin, which are softer and less mineralized than enamel. This makes acids from plaque penetrate more easily and cause faster demineralization, so root decay progresses rapidly once exposed. Reduced saliva in many elderly individuals further decreases natural cleaning and remineralization, increasing the risk. The other ideas don’t fit because there isn’t extra enamel on roots—roots are protected by cementum, not enamel. Higher fluoride intake generally protects against caries, and having fewer cariogenic bacteria is not true for most older adults.

Gingival recession in aging frequently exposes root surfaces. On the root, enamel is absent and the covering is cementum with underlying dentin, which are softer and less mineralized than enamel. This makes acids from plaque penetrate more easily and cause faster demineralization, so root decay progresses rapidly once exposed. Reduced saliva in many elderly individuals further decreases natural cleaning and remineralization, increasing the risk.

The other ideas don’t fit because there isn’t extra enamel on roots—roots are protected by cementum, not enamel. Higher fluoride intake generally protects against caries, and having fewer cariogenic bacteria is not true for most older adults.