The Epidemiology, Consequences and Management of Periodontal Disease in Older Adults

Note: You will need to copy and paste the URL in a browser window to view the article online. Only the abstract is listed below.

http://jada.ada.org/cgi/content/full/138/suppl_1/26S?maxtoshow=&HITS=30&hits=30&RESULTFORMAT=1&andorexacttitle=and&andorexacttitleabs=and&fulltext=endodontics&andorexactfulltext=and&searchid=1&FIRSTINDEX=0&sortspec=date&fdate=1/1/2005&resourcetype=HWCIT

The Epidemiology, Consequences and Management of Periodontal Disease in Older Adults
J Am Dent Assoc, Vol 138, No suppl_1, 26S-33S.
Tobias K. Boehm, DDS and Frank A. Scannapieco, DMD, PhD

Abstract
Background. This review summarizes the literature on periodontal disease (PD) in older adults. The authors focused on significant sequelae of PD and therapy in this population.

Types of Studies Reviewed. The authors conducted a search on PubMed for human studies using the terms "periodontal disease OR periodontitis" and "older adults." They retrieved 649 articles and excluded studies that had poor experimental design. For each topic of the review, they selected one to three of the most recent studies or reviews for inclusion and cited classic articles where appropriate.

Results. PD is a common oral chronic inflammatory disease often found in older adults. In older patients, PD may lead to root caries, impaired eating and socialization. It also may increase patientsÌ risk of developing systemic diseases such as diabetes mellitus, lung disease, heart disease and stroke. Treatment is not limited by chronological age but depends on the patientÌs medical and emotional status and the availability of financial resources.

Clinical Implications. General dentists usually can treat the majority of older people with mild or moderate PD. For older adults who are medically compromised and dependent, the literature supports treatment that prevents PD progression.

Key Words: Periodontics; geriatrics; caries; vulnerable populations; periodontitis

Abbreviations: COPD: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease Ô CVD: Cardiovascular disease Ô PD: Periodontal disease Ô VAP: Ventilator-associated pneumonia

As baby boomers near retirement, dentists are faced with increasing numbers of older patients who have various types of periodontal disease (PD). Since PD in older adults is common and the consequences of PD are significant, we summarized the literature on this topic to help general practitioners manage the care of these patients.

In May 2007, we performed a systematic PubMed search using the terms "periodontal disease OR periodontitis" and "older adults." Key words such as "geriatric," "dentistry," "community-dwelling," "independent-living," "nursing home" or "dependent" did not provide additional relevant articles at the time we conducted our literature search. We evaluated 649 articles for relevance and validity and selected key references for the following subtopics: epidemiology of PD in older adults, oral and systemic sequelae, and management of PD in older adults.

© 2007 American Dental Association