Open AccessGrowing Old is Mandatory But Growing Up is Optional: An Explanation to Geriatrics
Author(s) -
Smita R. Priyadarshini,
Pradyumna Ku Sahoo,
Sanat Ku Bhuyan,
Satya Ranjan Misra,
Abhishek Rajan Pati
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
journal of clinical and diagnostic research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2249-782X
pISSN - 0973-709X
DOI - 10.7860/jcdr/2014/10393.5304
Subject(s) - geriatrics , life expectancy , medicine , multidisciplinary approach , health care , oral health , sanitation , gerontology , oral hygiene , population ageing , population , quality of life (healthcare) , nursing , family medicine , dentistry , environmental health , psychiatry , pathology , social science , sociology , economics , economic growth
Growing old is an inevitable process and aging graciously requires a healthy body where oral cavity occupies an important place. Geriatric dentistry is a specialized multidisciplinary branch of general dentistry designed to provide dental services to elderly patients. The rise in life expectancy has attributed to the substantial reduction in mortality which brought about by improved health care facilities, sanitation, environmental and public health reforms coupled with better hygiene and living conditions. The goal of geriatric treatment is to achieve optimal oral health, thus enhancing overall health. This begins with a concerted effort between the patient and the healthcare and dental teams. When medical problems exist, the physician and other involved healthcare professionals should be consulted, as these diseases can affect the safety and efficacy of various dental treatments. Thus a unified approach should be followed to assist geriatric patients to maintain optimal oral health and a high quality of life. Here in, this article we have reviewed the categories geriatric patients are divided to, various aging theories, changes occurring in various systems with their effects on system along with the various dental effects and age changes in them and treatment needs and strategies' concerning the elderly population.