Root caries risk increases with age due to which combination of factors?

Root caries risk increases with age due to which combination of factors?

• A. Gingival recession, xerostomia from medications, and lack of oral care
• B. Increased fluoride intake
• C. Regular dental visits
• D. Genetic predisposition only

Answer: (A)

As people age, gum recession often exposes the cementum and dentin on root surfaces, making them more susceptible to decay. At the same time, many older adults experience dry mouth (xerostomia) from medications or health conditions, which reduces both the cleansing action of saliva and its buffering and remineralization properties. When combined with less rigorous oral care, biofilm can accumulate on these exposed root surfaces, increasing the likelihood of caries. So the mix of exposed roots, reduced saliva, and poorer oral hygiene explains why root caries risk rises with age. Increasing fluoride intake would generally help prevent caries, regular dental visits provide preventive care, and genetic predisposition alone doesn’t explain the age-related rise in risk.

As people age, gum recession often exposes the cementum and dentin on root surfaces, making them more susceptible to decay. At the same time, many older adults experience dry mouth (xerostomia) from medications or health conditions, which reduces both the cleansing action of saliva and its buffering and remineralization properties. When combined with less rigorous oral care, biofilm can accumulate on these exposed root surfaces, increasing the likelihood of caries. So the mix of exposed roots, reduced saliva, and poorer oral hygiene explains why root caries risk rises with age.

Increasing fluoride intake would generally help prevent caries, regular dental visits provide preventive care, and genetic predisposition alone doesn’t explain the age-related rise in risk.