Comprehensive Strategies for Preventive Periodontal Care in Older Adults

Periodontal health is closely related to systemic health and crucial for healthy aging. Periodontal disease is prevalent among older adults due to declined systemic conditions, medication side effects, and reduced dexterity and cognition. Effective preventive care is essential to maintain periodontal health and promote oral and general health.

The aim of this narrative review is to examine preventive periodontal care tailored for older individuals, with a focus on strategies to reduce the incidence of periodontal disease, maintain periodontal health, and improve the overall well-being of older adults.

Preventive periodontal care includes mechanical plaque control, use of chemotherapeutic agents, lifestyle modifications, and regular professional periodontal care. Mechanical plaque control through regular toothbrushing and interdental cleaning remains the cornerstone of prevention. The use of adaptive aids and caregiver support is essential for maintaining the oral hygiene of older adults with physical limitations. Chemotherapeutic agents, such as chlorhexidine mouth rinses, can be used as adjunctive agents for plaque control. Lifestyle modifications, like smoking cessation and dietary adjustments, are crucial components of risk factor control. Professional periodontal care, including periodontal evaluation, risk factor control, tailored oral hygiene instruction, and professional mechanical plaque removal, are essential for the prevention and early detection and management of periodontal disease in older adults.

This review underscores the importance of a multidisciplinary approach involving oral healthcare professionals, primary care providers, and caregivers to ensure patient-centered, integrated and comprehensive geriatric care to improve periodontal outcomes and overall well-being of older adults.