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Updated: Jul 19, 2026
08:47
Oral Health Assessment by Lay Personnel for Older Adults
Published on: February 2, 2020
Most common oral alterations in the elderly--a review
Maria Cristina Ribeiro de Castro1, Marcia Ramos-e-Silva
1Sector of Dermatology and the Post-Graduate Course-HUCFF/UFRJ and School of Medicine, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Acta Dermatovenerologica Croatica : ADC
|October 3, 2006
Summary
Brazil
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Oral Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Brazil's population is aging rapidly.
- Aging compromises the oral mucosa's barrier function.
- Increased age correlates with higher prevalence of oral lesions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the increased risk of oral lesions in the aging Brazilian population.
- To identify common causes of oral mucosal lesions in the elderly.
- To emphasize the importance of routine oral examinations for prevention.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on aging and oral health in Brazil.
- Analysis of factors contributing to oral mucosal lesions.
- Epidemiological data interpretation regarding elderly oral health.
Main Results:
- Aging significantly increases susceptibility to oral mucosal lesions.
- Lesions stem from neoplastic, infectious, systemic, and prosthetic factors.
- Prevalence of oral lesions rises with age.
Conclusions:
- Annual oral cavity examinations are crucial for the elderly.
- Preventive oral care can reduce morbidity and mortality.
- Public health strategies should address the oral health needs of Brazil's aging population.
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