Cause and effect

In older age, the ability to eat with comfort and ease is important not just in maintaining health but as one of life’s basic pleasures. Oral health is also central to communication and self-confidence (even in later life, dental appearance can matter). Periodontal disease, with its consequences of root caries, loss of teeth, discomfort and disruption of mastication, difficulties with speech and avoidance of socialisation can play havoc with fundamental aspects of daily life for the elderly. Evidence is also growing to suggest that periodontal disease may play a significant role in many chronic medical conditions. At the same time, common age-related problems can directly increase the risk of periodontal disease and lead to practical problems that can make

effective oral health management challenging. For example, poor manual dexterity (as a result of osteoarthritis, Parkinson’s disease or stroke) may limit oral care, while reduced mobility makes repeated travel to the dental surgery for treatment difficult.