Abstract
The purpose of this report is to review the interrelationship between poor oral health conditions of older people and general health. The impact of poor oral health on quality of life (QOL) is analyzed, and the implications for public health intervention and oral health care are discussed. Findings from the current research may lead to the following conclusions: The available scientific evidence is particularly strong for a direct relationship between diabetes and periodontal disease; the direct relationship between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease is less convincing. General and associated oral health conditions have a direct influence on elder people's QOL and lifestyle. The growing number of elderly people challenges health authorities in most countries. The evidence on oral health-general health relationships is particularly important to WHO in its effort to strengthen integrated oral health promotion and disease prevention around the globe.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Journal | Special Care in Dentistry |
| Volume | 28 |
| Issue number | 6 |
| Pages (from-to) | 224-36 |
| Number of pages | 13 |
| ISSN | 0275-1879 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2008 |
Keywords
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Cardiovascular Diseases
- Diabetes Complications
- Health Status
- Humans
- Life Style
- Oral Health
- Periodontal Diseases
- Population Dynamics
- Quality of Life
- World Health Organization
