Current considerations on geriatric Dentistry and its importance for a healthy longevity

Abstract

The humanity affronts the bigger population ageing of the history. Aged people are the population segment with a faster growth in the world, a phenomenon involving a great challenge. The increase in the proportion of the advanced age persons is the most important demographic transformation of the present-days Cuban society, causing difficulties in the public health field in general, and even more in the field of Odontology owing to the demand of human and material resources. The oral cavity has an important significance because of its anatomical situation, the multiple functions it has in human life and its permanent exposition to physical, chemical and biological agents; it deserves the most careful medical attention, both in the prevention and in the precocious detection of any affection. The National Odontology Program in Cuba should be ready to affront this challenge. We did a bibliographic review having as a purpose providing dentists with updated information they need for their performance, because elder people are a population group with specific characteristics. It is necessary to remember that to enjoy a high level of general health, oral health is also required.