Oral Health Care for the Elderly

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The geriatric population is the most rapidly growing segment of the general population, a fact that will have dramatic implications for systemic and oral health in the future. As more people live longer and become elderly, there will be an increase in chronic conditions and illnesses that will influence both oral and systemic health. The elderly are particularly prone to root caries, attrition, periodontal disease, missing teeth because of earlier neglect, edentulism, poor quality of alveolar ridges, ill-fitting dentures, mucosal lesions, oral ulceration, dry mouth (xerostomia) and oral cancers. Furthermore, medications like antihypertensives, antipsychotics increases the predilection to oral disease. Financial constraints and lack of family support or of transportation facilities affect access to dental services in later life. Thus, Dental professionals play a vital role in identifying, managing, and preventing these problems in order to enhance the quality of life of older adults.