Oral Care for Elderly -Diagnosis and Treatment

Ageing is a multidimensional and universal phenomenon which is associated with physical and psychosocial changes which deteriorates the health status. Older adults are more susceptible to oral conditions or diseases due to an increase in chronic conditions and physical/mental disabilities. The decline in oral health such as limitation of oral cavity function due to oral disease, tissue damage, and pain leading to the avoidance of certain daily activities. So, dental care is vital to maintain natural teeth and enhance the quality of life for elderly people. Geriatrics is a sub-specialty of internal medicine and family medicine that focuses on health care of elderly people. Geriatric dentistry refers to dealing with oral diseases in old individuals including prevention and treatment. It aims to promote health by preventing and treating diseases and disabilities in older adults. The overall objective of dental therapy is to preserve dentition by preventing the progression of dental diseases. It should be integrated into overall health management of all geriatric patients and its maintenance is crucial to stability and functional health of the tissues.