Geriatric Dental Medicine, An Issue of Dental Clinics of North America

This issue of Dental Clinics focuses on Geriatric Dental Medicine and includes articles on demographics and oral health care utilization, oral health disparities, systemic diseases, HIV, polypharmacy, poor oral health, cognitive impairment, interdisciplinary education, and innovations in geriatric oral health care.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 12 March 2021
Publisher: Elsevier - Health Sciences Division

The Dental Clinics issue, dedicated to Geriatric Dental Medicine, is a comprehensive exploration of this specialized field. Edited by Drs. Joseph M. Calabrese and Michelle Henshaw, the articles within this issue delve into various aspects of geriatric oral health.

Demographics and Oral Health Care Utilization for Older Adults: This article examines the changing demographics of the older population and explores the utilization of oral health care services among this group. It discusses the challenges faced by older adults in accessing dental care, including financial barriers, transportation issues, and healthcare provider attitudes. The article also highlights the importance of oral health care in maintaining overall health and well-being among older adults.

Oral Health Disparities in Older Adults: Another critical article in this issue addresses the issue of oral health disparities among older adults. It explores the factors contributing to these disparities, such as socioeconomic status, race/ethnicity, and access to healthcare. The article also discusses strategies for addressing these disparities, including community-based oral health programs, education initiatives, and policy changes.

Systemic Diseases, HIV, and the Impact on Geriatric Oral Health: This article explores the relationship between systemic diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and HIV, and geriatric oral health. It discusses the oral manifestations of these diseases, the risk factors associated with them, and the importance of early detection and treatment. The article also highlights the role of dental professionals in managing these conditions and promoting oral health among older adults with HIV.

Consideration in Planning Dental Treatment for Older Adults: This article provides guidance for dentists in planning dental treatment for older adults. It discusses the unique oral health needs of older adults, including the prevalence of dental diseases, the impact of medications on oral health, and the importance of interdisciplinary care. The article also highlights the importance of patient-centered care and communication in ensuring optimal dental outcomes for older adults.

Oral Implications of Polypharmacy in Older Adults: Polypharmacy, the use of multiple medications, is a common phenomenon among older adults. This article explores the oral implications of polypharmacy, including the potential for drug-drug interactions, side effects on oral tissues, and the risk of dental caries. The article also discusses strategies for managing polypharmacy and promoting oral health among older adults.

Poor Oral Health in the Etiology and Prevention of Aspiration Pneumonia: Aspiration pneumonia is a serious respiratory condition that affects older adults with cognitive impairment. This article examines the relationship between poor oral health and the development of aspiration pneumonia. It discusses the oral hygiene practices that are essential in preventing aspiration pneumonia, as well as the role of dental professionals in screening and managing oral health issues among older adults with cognitive impairment.

Cognitive Impairment in Older Adults and Oral Health Considerations: Cognitive impairment, including dementia, affects a significant portion of the older population. This article explores the oral health considerations for older adults with cognitive impairment. It discusses the challenges faced by these individuals in maintaining oral hygiene, the risk of dental diseases, and the importance of interdisciplinary care. The article also highlights the role of dental professionals in providing oral health care to older adults with cognitive impairment.

Interdisciplinary Education and Healthcare in Geriatric Dental Medicine: Geriatric dental medicine requires an interdisciplinary approach to care. This article discusses the importance of interdisciplinary education and healthcare in geriatric dental medicine. It highlights the benefits of collaboration between dentists, physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals in providing comprehensive care to older adults. The article also discusses the role of dental hygienists, dental assistants, and other support staff in providing quality care to older adults.

Innovations in Geriatric Oral Health Care: The field of geriatric oral health care is constantly evolving, with new technologies and treatment approaches emerging. This article explores the latest innovations in geriatric oral health care, including digital dentistry, minimally invasive procedures, and oral health education programs. The article also discusses the challenges and opportunities associated with these innovations and their potential impact on the care of older adults.

The Physiology of Aging of Older Adults: Aging is a natural process that affects the entire body, including the oral cavity. This article explores the physiology of aging of older adults, including the changes in oral tissues, the prevalence of dental diseases, and the impact of aging on oral health. The article also discusses the strategies for maintaining oral health and preventing dental diseases among older adults.

In conclusion, the Dental Clinics issue on Geriatric Dental Medicine is a valuable resource for dentists, physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals who work with older adults. The articles within this issue provide a comprehensive exploration of the various aspects of geriatric oral health, including demographics and oral health care utilization, oral health disparities, systemic diseases, HIV, and the impact on geriatric oral health, consideration in planning dental treatment for older adults, oral implications of polypharmacy in older adults, poor oral health in the etiology and prevention of aspiration pneumonia, cognitive impairment in older adults and oral health considerations, interdisciplinary education and healthcare in geriatric dental medicine, innovations in geriatric oral health care, and the physiology of aging of older adults. By understanding the unique oral health needs of older adults and implementing effective strategies for care, healthcare professionals can improve the quality of life and overall health of this population.

Weight: 416g
Dimension: 159 x 240 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780323778442