A Review of Oral Health in Older Adults

With increased life expectancy coupled with falling birth rate, issues concerning population ageing have vital outcomes and effects for all aspects of human life particularly as it relates to older people’s health and health care. Among these issues are oral health diseases which present as major public health concerns and constitute significant burden to all regions of the world. FDI World Dental Federation in 2018, states that 90% of the entire world’s population will be afflicted by oral health problems in their lifetime. The impacts of oral diseases on older people and societies due to functional impairments, disability and reduced quality of life are troubling. This book explores the results of computer searches of databases to review the literature that surrounds the relationship of oral health, nutritional status and quality of life in the older adults’ population. It also aims to provide opportunities for increasing knowledge and awareness among medical staff, caregivers and families involved in caring for older people, either in their homes or at health institutions.