Oral Health and Prevention in Older Adults

Abstract

The most prevalent oral diseases such as tooth decay and chronic periodontitis, are the main responsible for tooth loss, this causes a disability in the chewing function, which alters the selection of food, the pleasure of eating, and the state of nutrition. Even the use of total prostheses to replace this loss is not always satisfactory. In the emotional sphere, poor oral health causes discomfort and a decrease in self-esteem. Unfortunately, this continues to occur in older people despite the great scientific and technological advances in dentistry today. Health promotion, which includes health education and prevention, must be present in the course of people’s lives. In the prevention of oral diseases, consider not only biological factors as the only causes, but also alleviate and modify the social determinants of the disease. All those involved in the care of the older adults must promote prevention as the most important tool in favor of oral health, and make older people enjoy life with quality. Oral health is an invaluable asset and reward at this stage of life.