Is there a need for gerodontology?

Area of Science:

• Gerodontology
• Public Health
• Dental Medicine

Background:

• Optimal oral health is crucial for successful aging, impacting social and biological functions.
• Elderly populations face significant oral health challenges, including edentulism, caries, and periodontal disease, leading to unmet treatment needs.
• Future trends indicate an aging population with a higher prevalence of natural dentition but also a rise in edentulism, necessitating adaptive oral healthcare strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the critical importance of maintaining natural dentition for successful aging.
• To address the growing disparity between oral health needs and treatment demand in the elderly.
• To prepare the dental profession and policymakers for the evolving oral healthcare requirements of an aging population.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and trend analysis on aging populations and oral health.
• Examination of current oral health status and treatment needs in elderly individuals.
• Projection of future demographic shifts and their impact on dental care demands.

Main Results:

• Elderly individuals exhibit high treatment needs due to various oral health issues, yet demand for services remains low.
• The aging population is projected to increase, with a simultaneous rise in individuals retaining natural teeth and those experiencing edentulism.
• The 'new elderly' cohort will be more discerning and have higher expectations for oral health care.

Conclusions:

• The dental profession and governments must acknowledge and adapt to the changing oral health landscape of the elderly.
• Educational curricula for dentists and research priorities need to incorporate gerodontological principles.
• Proactive strategies and policy changes are essential to meet the future oral healthcare demands of an aging global population.