Changes in the Oral Cavity Due to Ageing

Over the last century there has been a marked increase in life expectancy due to advances in science, improved living standards and people attaching more importance to hygiene conditions. The impact of oral and dental health on general health status of the elderly population is too big to be ignored. Besides impacts of ageing in the orofacial region, acquired systemic diseases and related medication produce unwanted changes in the oral cavity. Tooth loss, abrasions, periodontal disease, dental caries, oral mucosal lesions etc. impair satisfactory fulfillment of oral functions of elderly patients. Speech disorders, muscle atrophy, changes in taste may also occur. Dentures improve the chewing efficiency but dry mouth, denture use and cleaning deficiencies for various reasons might produce conditions disrupting integrity of oral mucosa. While some of the complications arising in the oral mucosa and teeth because of such situations might be treated with some simple measures, some might lead to serious problems. Cooperation between dentists and doctors following general health status of the elderly and a good dental treatment plan can help restore dental health of an elderly, but routine control should not be neglected.