Geriatric dentistry is concerned with the oral health of elderly persons, who usually have significant medical problems and are taking multiple medications. Elderly people often experience symptoms of dental decay and gingival disorders that differ from symptoms experienced by younger people.

 

Goal of Geriatric dentistry

1. 
   To maintain oral health of individuals.
2. 
   To maintain ideal health and function of masticatory system by establishing adequate preventive measures.
3. 
   In diseased patients maintaining oral and general health.

 

 

Objectives of Geriatric dentistry

1. 
   To recognize and relieve difficulties of elderly people.
2. Restoration and preservation of function for maintaining normal life in elderly patients.

 

Video - Tooth removal of 67 years old patient by Dr Abhishek Kumar at best dental clinic Magadh oro dental clinic

Systemic Diseases and its dental relation

Most common diseases seen in elderly patients are cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, respiratory diseases, blood dyscrasias and other systemic diseases which have relation with dental manifestations. Cardiovascular diseases and uncontrolled diabetes may exacerbate periodontal inflammation.

 

Periodontal disease is likely to develop as a result of depressed immune system and is proposed as the 6th complication of diabetes. Poor health of elderly population has been considered a risk factor for general health.

 

Older individuals are more susceptible to oral diseases due to increase in chronic conditions like diabetes, heart diseases, respiratory problems, nutritional deficiencies and physical & mental disabilities. Considering this diseases elderly population forms a distinct group in terms of provision for dental care.

 

Oral manifestations generally describes about overall health or the general of patient. According to WHO 1982, Oral health is a standard of the oral and related tissues which an individual to eat, speak and socialize without active disease, discomfort or embarrassment and which contributes to general wellbeing. It has been concluded that the oral health status of elderly people was found to be poor with higher incidence of tooth loss.

 

They are particularly at risk of root caries, which follows as a consequence of periodontitis. It has also been found that the prevalence of oral mucosal lesions was higher in older patients than in younger patients.

 

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and periodontitis has interrelationship because of common bacteria associated with its pathogenesis. Periodontal inflammation leads to bacteremia caused by common oral pathogens like Porphyromonas Gingivalis. This microorganism have been isolated from CVD like coronary and carotid atheromas. Therefore, CVD and Periodontitis are interrelated and commonly seen in geriatric patients.

 

Infective endocarditis, other common disease found in elderly patients has association with periodontitis. The bacteria like viridians streptococci normally found in oral cavity, whereas the bacteria found in dental plaque like Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Eiknella Corrodens, Fusobacterium Nucleatum and Bacteriodes Forsythus have been isolated from the blood sample of Infective endocarditis patients.

 

Respiratory infections are usually caused by oropharyngeal and periodontal microorganism and bacteria. The main cause of respiratory infections and bacterial pneumonia in adults is aspiration of oropharyngeal bacteria. This micro flora habitats in inadequate oral hygiene resulting in formation of dental plaque further surving as a reservoir for respiratory pathogens.

 

The other common disease Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is seen in elderly patients. This RA has similar characteristic of periodontitis as there is destruction of hard and soft tissues as a result of inflammatory response. However, the interrelationship as well as association between RA and periodontitis has not been proved.

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) the other most common disease seen adult and elderly individuals in 21st century. It has been proved and found that the patients suffering from Type 1 and Type 2 DM have distinguished dental manifestations such as loss of periodontal attachment, gingival and periodontal abscess and early loss of teeth.

 

Preventive measures for dental diseases

Oral health care provider should educate patients regarding oral diseases and its prevention. The five golden rules for preventive dental diseases in geriatric patients are given below:-

1. A well balanced diet is the key to oral health and a body that is strong and free from diseases because nutrients available systemically will impact overall development, growth and maintenance of tooth structure, connective tissue, alveolar bone and oral mucosa

2. Don’t eat sweet or sticky foods between meals because high sugar diet have often been associated with caries so such intake should be restricted.

3. Regular brushing after every meals or at least every meal at night which helps to keep teeth free of plaque and fight decay.

4. Choose right toothbrush that fits comfortably in hand and is easy to control. Massage your gums with your fingers after brushing and gently brush your tongue too.

 

Habits and Oral implications

Elderly patient have habits such as smoking, tobacco pan and beetle nut chewing which leads to formation of precancerous or cancerous lesions. Thus, combining both systemic and oral problems the immunity declines in elderly people.

 

Elderly people in rural areas have habit of tobacco and betel nut chewing as compared to urban population necessitating the need of integrating primary health care with oral care in rural population. Further, financial constraints and lackof family support or of transportation facilities affect access to dental services in later life. Thus the untreated oral cavity has its deleterious effects on comfort, esthetics, speech, mastication and consequently, on quality of life in old age

 

The Role of Geriatric Dentistry

Geriatric dentistry is instrumental in addressing these age-related oral health challenges. DenScore understands that tailored dental care for seniors can significantly enhance their quality of life. Here’s how:

Preventive Care

Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are essential for seniors to detect and address oral health issues early. Geriatric dentists can provide customized preventive care plans to help seniors maintain healthy smiles.

Restorative Treatments

For seniors with existing oral health problems, geriatric dentistry offers a wide range of restorative treatments, such as fillings, crowns, bridges, and dentures, to restore the function and aesthetics of their teeth.

Oral Health Education

Geriatric dentists not only treat oral health issues but also educate seniors on proper oral hygiene practices and lifestyle choices that can improve their overall oral health.

Magadh Oro Dental : Your Guide to Senior Oral Health

Magadh oro dental cliinic, as a health navigation company, recognizes the importance of geriatric dentistry in ensuring the well-being of seniors. We understand that oral health is integral to overall health, and we are committed to connecting seniors with qualified geriatric dentists who can provide them with the specialized care they need.


Geriatric dentistry is a critical component of senior healthcare that should not be overlooked. DenScore is dedicated to helping seniors access the specialized dental care they need to maintain their oral health and overall well-being. By recognizing the importance of geriatric dentistry and utilizing our health navigation services, seniors can enjoy healthier, happier smiles in their golden years.

Magadh Oro Dental Clinic : Your Trusted Dental Navigator for Personalized Solutions

Understand all aspects of dental care with DenScore. Utilize our free online dental navigation tool to get answers if you have questions about pain in your mouth, cosmetic dental procedures, replacement of missing teeth and more. Our care navigators can also assist you in finding the right dentist or dental insurance to ensure you will be able to stay on top of your oral health.