Oral Health Care for the Elderly

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.