Oral Healthcare Measures to Improve Overall Health in Older Adults

The purpose of this paper is to guide the understanding of preventive oral health measures to improve overall health in older adults. Oral health is a key indicator of overall health, well-being, and quality of life, yet, oral health status among older adults has remained alarmingly poor. Common oral conditions include dental decay, periodontal disease, tooth loss, dry mouth, and malodor. The connection between oral and systemic health has been established and this relationship is affected by various interrelated factors which pose many threats to older adults’ health. Documented factors may range from chronic diseases, use of medications, individual lifestyle, decline in cognitive and physical functioning, access to care, to several social indicators of oral health. Dental disease and poor oral health are largely preventable through healthy lifestyle behaviors and effective management of chronic systemic diseases. A collaborative team approach is necessary to ensure that older adults receive comprehensive care appropriate for their complex medical and dental needs.