Description

With the increase in the elderly population and the greater number of teeth being retained into old age elderly people are more prone for many oral diseases. Oral diseases are complex, multifactorial and progressive in nature. Consequently, the associations between dental disease and specific medical conditions are becoming more established. Globally, poor oral health among older people has particularly been seen in a high level of tooth loss, dental caries experience, and high prevalence rates of periodontal disease, xerostomia and oral precancer/cancer. Improving the oral health will significantly enhance the physical, social and mental attributes of geriatric individuals at home or work place. The objective of this book is to review and discuss the need and associated barriers in treating the elderly dental patients and to focus on research encompassing all aspects of aging, age-related dental problems and their appropriate management.