Caries-arresting palliative care

Older adults are living longer and retaining more teeth than in the past. About 20% of the adults age 75 years or older have untreated dental caries, with higher percentages among those who have low income status and live in long-term care facilities. Having teeth can substantially improve quality of life, socialization, and the ability to eat a varied diet, to maintain a healthy weight, and to obtain proper nutrition. Malnutrition can have especially severe consequences in frail elderly persons, contributing to a lowered defense against infections, poor wound healing, and the development of pressure sores.
Source: Dental Abstracts - Category: Dentistry Tags: Hands On Source Type: research