Oral health for baby boomers: Past, present, and future

Abstract

Aims This paper reviews the oral health services which were available for early (1945–1955) and late (1956–1964) baby boomers, as well as predicts their future oral healthcare needs. Methods and Results The knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes of the parents of the baby boomers toward dental hygiene and oral healthcare, are reviewed. The introduction of dental health screenings occurred from 1910 to early 1970s, the creation of the first dental hygiene school and the introduction of water fluoridation influenced oral healthcare. Technology introduced in the dental offices in the 1960s included the high‐speed handpiece, followed by intraoral suction in 1979. Baby boomers are keeping their teeth at higher rates than preceding generations due to improved prevention and advances in the treatment of periodontal disease, and overall lower rates of smoking in older adults, when compared to younger adults. However, access to dental care remains an issue for many. Advances in prevention and treatment of periodontal disease, early detection of root caries, new restorative techniques, and improved technologies to replace teeth are also discussed. Conclusions Early detection of periodontal disease, oral, and oropharyngeal cancer, risk factors for tooth loss and untreated caries are needed to improve the oral health for baby boomers. Access to oral healthcare is still an issue due to socio‐economic disparities in America.

Nutritional Factors Associated with Dental Caries across the Lifespan: A Review

“…Subsequent interventions can then be tailored accordingly [81]. Moreover, fostering a stable family environment, encouraging active childhood engagement in physical activities, and instilling knowledge of healthy nutrition and oral hygiene practices from an early age lay the groundwork for cultivating healthy habits in adolescence and adulthood [15].…”

“…The insights gleaned from review articles of this study underscore the potential role of alternative treatments as adjuncts to the field of dentistry. Effectively preventing and controlling dental caries necessitates the avoidance of sugary foods and drinks, coupled with the maintenance of adequate dental hygiene through regular brushing and flossing [15]. Achieving comprehensive nutritional intervention extends beyond merely "prescribing" nutritional instructions or imparting nutritional knowledge.…”

“…Each encounter between sugar and microbial plaque initiates a protracted episode of enamel decalcification, extending for hours thereafter. The cumulative effect of such episodes provides a conducive environment for the onset of caries and their ensuing destructive processes [15]. Hence, if sugar consumption is unavoidable, it is advisable to take place during or after the main meals rather than between them as a mitigation strategy against its cariogenic effects [16].…”