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Updated: Jun 5, 2026
08:47
Oral Health Assessment by Lay Personnel for Older Adults
Published on: February 2, 2020
Dentistry and the geriatric patient.
Canadian Family Physician Medecin De Famille Canadien
|January 22, 2011
Summary
As the geriatric population grows, older adults face challenges with complete dentures. Preserving natural teeth in old age is crucial, as adapting to dentures becomes difficult.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Medicine
- Dental Prosthetics
- Oral Health
Background:
- The global geriatric population is expanding.
- Edentulous older adults experience difficulties with complete dentures.
- Maintaining natural teeth in advanced age is a growing concern.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the challenges faced by edentulous geriatric patients with complete dentures.
- To emphasize the importance of preserving natural teeth in the elderly.
- To advocate for strategies supporting natural tooth retention in older adults.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on geriatric oral health and complete denture adaptation.
- Analysis of challenges associated with complete denture use in the elderly.
- Synthesis of evidence supporting natural tooth preservation.
Main Results:
- Complete denture use presents significant adaptation difficulties for many edentulous seniors.
- Natural teeth are more easily managed than dentures in advanced age.
- Interventions to maintain natural teeth in the elderly show promise.
Conclusions:
- Efforts should focus on preserving natural teeth in the aging population.
- Assistance and encouragement for maintaining natural dentition are vital.
- The low likelihood of successful denture adaptation in old age necessitates alternative strategies.
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