European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Geriodontology refers to the field of dentistry that mainly encompasses diagnosis, treatment and prevention of oral diseases and conditions in the elderly individuals. With increasing life expectancy attributed to the developments in the field of medicine, there is concomitant increase in the comorbidities and complications in the older population. In the dental perspective, increased attrition of teeth, xerostomia induced dental caries, chronic periodontal diseases and partial edentulousness are the most frequently encountered problems. The management in these instances requires additional considerations, keeping in mind the presence or absence of other systemic diseases, age and the social and environmental factors. In order to provide efficient treatment and also to encourage their constant maintenance protocols,a multimodal treatment planning has to be designed and dentists must be specifically educated and specialised in dealing with the geriatric patients. This review paper highlights the various aspects on periodontal management of geriatric patients with few futuristic suggestions in order to improve their oral healthcare in this phase of life.