Oral Health Changes in Relation to Aging in Geriatric Population: A Review

Abstract

Oral health is an integral part of general health and affects physical and mental well-being and quality of life of elderly persons. Dental care for geriatric patients has been increasing nowadays. The treatment and diagnosis of the geriatric patient are challenging, as these patient have both systemic and oral problem. There are systemic diseases with associated oral manifestations to which the patient is unaware of the condition. It can be diagnosed or speculated by the clinician after examination and investigation. Edentulousness and paucity of prosthodontic rehabilitation prevent the frail elders from choosing food that they like and refute them the pleasure of eating, which is prerequisite for a feeling of well-being. Oral mucosal diseases and lesions are common in elderly people. Lichenoid mucosal lesions can also be caused by a variety of medications commonly prescribed in older patients. The greatest challenge is to provide affordable, accessible, and equitable health care to this population. Oral health is an essential part of general health and affects physical and mental well-being and quality of life of elderly persons. To provide quality oral healthcare to the elderly, it is significant to focus on education in geriatric dentistry. This article reviews the systemic and oral changes in elderly patient and needs to educate dental practitioners in providing geriatric dental care. The treatment and diagnosis of geriatric patient is challenging, as these patient have both systemic and oral problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]