Geriatric dentistry
is the delivery of dental care to older adults involving diagnosis, prevention, management and treatment of problems associated with age related diseases.The mouth is referred to as a mirror of overall health, reinforcing that oral health is an integral part of general health. In the elderly population poor oral health has been considered a risk factor for general health problems. Older adults are more susceptible to oral conditions or diseases due to an increase in chronic conditions and physical/mental disabilities. Thus, the elderly form a distinct group in terms of provision of care.
The world’s population is currently ageing with the number and proportion of elderly people growing substantially. Between the years of 2000-2005 to 2010-2015 life expectancy at birth rose from 67.2 to 70.8 years. By 2045-2050 it is projected to continue increase to 77 years. This increasing longevity can be majorly attributed to advances in modern medicine and medical technology. As a result, the population of people aged 60 and over is growing faster than any other younger age group and it is expected to more than double by 2050 globally.This will have a profound effect on society’s ability to support the needs of this growing crowd including their dental needs.
Older people have become a major focus for the oral health industry. Due to the increasing number and proportion of elderly people, age related dental problems have become more common. This is largely due to success in dental treatment and prevention of gum disease and caries at a young age, thereby leading to people retaining more of their own natural teeth. As they get older, the retained teeth are at risk of developing and accumulating oral diseases that are more extensive and severe