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Updated: Jul 11, 2026
08:47
Oral Health Assessment by Lay Personnel for Older Adults
Published on: February 2, 2020
Oral changes in older patients: a clinician's guide
Scott S De Rossi1, Yolanda Ann Slaughter
1Department of Oral Diagnosis, Medical College of Georgia School of Dentistry, Augusta 30912-1241, USA. sderossi@mail.mcg.edu
Quintessence International (Berlin, Germany : 1985)
|September 18, 2007
Summary
As the geriatric population grows, dentists need more knowledge of oral health changes and systemic diseases in older adults. This article offers a guide for managing geriatric dental patients effectively.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Dentistry
- Oral Medicine
- Systemic Disease Manifestations
Background:
- The global geriatric population is rapidly expanding, increasing demand for specialized dental care.
- Older adults experience unique oral changes affecting teeth, gums, and oral tissues.
- Complex medical conditions in the elderly significantly impact dental treatment planning and delivery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review age-related oral changes in older adults.
- To discuss the oral manifestations of common systemic diseases in the geriatric population.
- To provide an efficient approach for managing geriatric dental patients.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of age-related oral changes.
- Analysis of common systemic diseases affecting geriatric oral health.
- Development of a management strategy for geriatric dental care.
Main Results:
- Identified specific oral changes associated with aging.
- Highlighted the implications of cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, neurologic, and pulmonary diseases on dental care.
- Outlined an approach for successful geriatric patient management.
Conclusions:
- Dental providers require enhanced knowledge of geriatric oral health and systemic disease interactions.
- Effective management of older adults necessitates understanding age-related oral changes and medical complexities.
- A systematic approach ensures optimal dental care for the growing geriatric population.
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