Question 1

A cognitive decline as the brain ages is a result of what?

Accepted Answer

D)Recent studies demonstrate that major cognitive declines do NOT occur in the absence of disease,trauma,or stress.This decline is a result of many conditions including poor nutrition,vitamin deficiencies,disease,and hormonal changes.

Question 2

What is the BEST way to provide optimal dental care for the older community?

Accepted Answer

D)All of the above are ways in which dental providers can provide optimal dental care for the older population.Providers should address access to care,medical history forms in large print,and easy-to-read cards.

Question 3

Oral disease can affect patients in other areas of the body.Which area is MOST commonly affected?

Accepted Answer

B)The oral cavity can be a portal of entry for microbial infections that affect the whole body.Oral diseases give rise to pathogens,which can be blood-borne or aspirated into the lungs,bringing about severe,even life-threatening consequences.

Question 4

What portion of the elderly population has oral health problems?

Accepted Answer

B)One third of community-dwelling elderly have untreated coronal or root caries and other oral health problems including periodontal disease;attrition;un-replaced missing teeth;abrasion and erosion;broken,failing,older dental restorations;dry mouth;mucosal diseases;oral cancer;and alveolar ridge atrophy.

Question 5

What is the MOST common cancer found in the oral cavity?

Accepted Answer

D)Oral cancer occurs primarily in the older segments of the population.The majority of the cases are diagnosed after the age of 65 years.The most common causes of oral cancer have traditionally included alcohol abuse and use of tobacco products;these risk factors do NOT have to be present for a lesion to develop.

Question 6

What causes the teeth of the elderly to appear darker in color?

Accepted Answer

A)Dentinal tubules narrow and some close altogether,forming sclerotic dentin.The changes make the older tooth more brittle,less resilient,less soluble,less permeable,and darker in color.

Question 7

What is defined as the loss of established intellectual activity that interferes with occupational and social functional?

Accepted Answer

B)Dementia is the loss of established intellectual activity that interferes with occupational and social function.It includes impairment of memory,language,perception,calculation,abstract thinking,judgment,and executive function.Alzheimer's is a type of dementia.

Question 8

Osteoporosis may contribute to the progression of periodontal disease.Significant decrease in bone mass of the mandible may lead to fragility and increased resorption,risk of fracture,and failure of osseointegration of dental implants.

Accepted Answer

A)Both of the statements are true.Prevention is key to the treatment of osteoporosis.Exercise,vitamins,balanced diet,dietary calcium,and estrogen are used in the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis.

Question 9

What is defined as the presence of at least 20 natural teeth?

Accepted Answer

B)Functional dentition is defined as the presence of at least 20 natural teeth.Many of these teeth may have been restored with fillings,crowns,and bridges.

Question 10

What percentage of elderly needs periodontal treatment?

Accepted Answer

A)The prevalence of periodontal disease appears to increase with age;this increase is likely due to the long-standing cumulative nature of the disease,with its onset earlier in adulthood.90% of adults aged 65 years and over need periodontal treatment.

Quiz 26: Geriatrics