Geriatric Oral Health: Oral Health of Elderly

Oral health is an important component of the physical and mental health. Oral health care, long neglected in elderly, is viewed not only as desirable but as vital. Oral conditions in older adults have a wide range of effects on functional status, well-being and ultimately quality of life. The elderly constitute a small but rapidly growing segment of the population. This population is undergoing a rapid transformation, becoming more affluent and better educated on average than in the past. Aging of the population presents a special challenge to dentists. Public health measures should be given priority and implemented. Promotional and preventive educational strategies involving media, self-care, self-monitoring as well as direct delivery by the dental professional, can improve oral health status of elders. These strategies minimize root caries; reduce gingivitis, bone loss, control denture stomatitis and aid in the early detection of oral diseases. It is important for the dentist to be aware of practical problem-oriented approaches that helps in patient management, maintaining & improving dental health as part of total healthcare services available to the elderly.