Dentists must address the special needs of these patients and tailor treatment plans to fit these changing needs. "The reality is, there are going to be more and more older patients," says James W. Little, DMD, AGD spokesperson. "It's a matter of dentists getting used to older patients."
Presently, about 85 percent of individuals over 65 have one or more chronic illnesses, and 30 percent have three or more chronic illnesses. Elderly patients' immune systems are not as strong as their younger counterparts', making dental problems like periodontal disease harder to manage.
Older patients also need to be particularly vigilant about both their medical and dental health, especially when many medical conditions can also cause problems in the mouth.
As people age, saliva output is reduced, making them more susceptible to cavities and periodontal disease. If left untreated, these can lead to tooth loss and other problems.
Many medications can also reduce saliva production, so older patients need to tell their dentist if they suffer from dry mouth. Dentists can also help identify health conditions beyond the mouth.
"We see things in the mouth that could be related to other systemic problems," says John C. Chandler, DDS, MAGD, AGD president. "If we identify those, we encourage patients to talk to their physicians about it."
Older patients can make their dental visits go more smoothly by preparing in advance. With many older patients taking an average of six to ten medications, it is helpful to bring a list of medications they take, especially for the first visit.
Editor's Note: A copy of the study, "Special medical concerns in the dental management of older adults", is available. Call 312/440-4308 or e-mail susanu@agd.org.
NOTE: Information that appears in General Dentistry, the AGD's peer-reviewed journal, AGD Impact, the AGD's newsmagazine and related press releases do not necessarily reflect the endorsement of the AGD.