Oral Health and Older Adults: A Narrative Review

Oral Health and Older Adults: A Narrative Review

2024 | Martin S. Lipsky, Tejasvi Singh, Golnoush Zakeri, Man Hung
This narrative review explores the importance of oral health in older adults, highlighting its significant impact on general health, morbidity, and mortality. Poor oral health is not an inevitable consequence of aging, and early recognition and treatment of common oral pathologies can help maintain good oral health. Key topics for non-dental providers include xerostomia, edentulism, caries, periodontitis, and oral cancer. These conditions are associated with nutritional deficiencies, poorer quality of life, and increased risk of disease development and poorer outcomes for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and other systemic conditions prevalent among older adults. There is a bidirectional relationship between oral health and chronic diseases, emphasizing the need for a multidisciplinary approach to maintaining oral health in older adults. Xerostomia, or dry mouth, is a common condition in older adults, often caused by medication use, systemic diseases, and age-related changes. It can lead to difficulties in speaking, chewing, and swallowing, and increases the risk of dental caries, periodontal disease, and candidiasis. Treatment strategies include increasing fluid intake, using saliva substitutes, and managing underlying conditions. Edentulism, or the complete loss of natural teeth, is a significant concern for older adults, often resulting from dental caries and periodontal disease. It can lead to poor nutrition, social disability, and reduced quality of life. Management includes removable dentures, implant-supported prostheses, and regular dental check-ups. Caries, or tooth decay, is a prevalent oral health issue in older adults, often linked to poor oral hygiene, dietary habits, and systemic conditions. Prevention and treatment strategies include fluoride use, regular dental visits, and proper oral hygiene practices. Periodontitis, a severe form of gum disease, is associated with systemic conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. It can lead to tooth loss and poor oral health. Management includes professional dental cleanings, antimicrobial rinses, and regular dental check-ups. Oral cancer is a significant health issue among older adults, often linked to tobacco use and alcohol consumption. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for improving outcomes. Prevention strategies include regular oral examinations and awareness of risk factors. The review emphasizes the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to oral health in older adults, involving healthcare professionals, dentists, and pharmacists. This approach can help address the unique needs of older adults and improve their overall health and quality of life.This narrative review explores the importance of oral health in older adults, highlighting its significant impact on general health, morbidity, and mortality. Poor oral health is not an inevitable consequence of aging, and early recognition and treatment of common oral pathologies can help maintain good oral health. Key topics for non-dental providers include xerostomia, edentulism, caries, periodontitis, and oral cancer. These conditions are associated with nutritional deficiencies, poorer quality of life, and increased risk of disease development and poorer outcomes for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and other systemic conditions prevalent among older adults. There is a bidirectional relationship between oral health and chronic diseases, emphasizing the need for a multidisciplinary approach to maintaining oral health in older adults. Xerostomia, or dry mouth, is a common condition in older adults, often caused by medication use, systemic diseases, and age-related changes. It can lead to difficulties in speaking, chewing, and swallowing, and increases the risk of dental caries, periodontal disease, and candidiasis. Treatment strategies include increasing fluid intake, using saliva substitutes, and managing underlying conditions. Edentulism, or the complete loss of natural teeth, is a significant concern for older adults, often resulting from dental caries and periodontal disease. It can lead to poor nutrition, social disability, and reduced quality of life. Management includes removable dentures, implant-supported prostheses, and regular dental check-ups. Caries, or tooth decay, is a prevalent oral health issue in older adults, often linked to poor oral hygiene, dietary habits, and systemic conditions. Prevention and treatment strategies include fluoride use, regular dental visits, and proper oral hygiene practices. Periodontitis, a severe form of gum disease, is associated with systemic conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. It can lead to tooth loss and poor oral health. Management includes professional dental cleanings, antimicrobial rinses, and regular dental check-ups. Oral cancer is a significant health issue among older adults, often linked to tobacco use and alcohol consumption. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for improving outcomes. Prevention strategies include regular oral examinations and awareness of risk factors. The review emphasizes the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to oral health in older adults, involving healthcare professionals, dentists, and pharmacists. This approach can help address the unique needs of older adults and improve their overall health and quality of life.
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[slides and audio] Oral Health and Older Adults%3A A Narrative Review