Dental Caries
People with dry mouth
Seniors tend to have dry mouth because their salivary glands have degenerated over
the years. Chances of dental caries increase because there isn't enough saliva to
neutralize the acid produced by dental plaque. Some of them also take anti-hypertensive
and anti-depressant drugs which will cause dryness in the mouth.
People receiving Radiotherapy
Amount of salivary production will significantly decrease for those who had received
radiotherapy in the head and neck area. Therefore, chances of having dental caries
will greatly increase because there isn't enough saliva to neutralize the acid produced
by dental plaque after they eat and drink.
Pregnant women
Dietary habits of pregnant women may change and they tend to prefer sweet and sour
food. The frequency of meals may also increase during pregnancy, which results in
a higher risk of getting dental caries.