Approaches to preventive periodontal care for geriatric patients with somatic disorders

Abstract

During the last two decades the acute interest in longevity has been kept by the world’s scientific community in relation to quality of health of older adults and prevention of emerging diseases including oral disorders in the old age. This article presents the study of oral conditions in 100 patients between the ages of 60 and 69 who were divided into three groups. This study aims to define approaches to preventive periodontal care for elderly patients with comorbidities. The primary group included patients with periodontal disease (PD) and salivary gland dysfunction: Sjogren’s disease and syndrome, non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, chronic pancreatitis. Two experimental groups included patients with normal salivary gland function and PD as well practically healthy persons without PD and normal salivary gland function. A comparative analysis of the results showed spread of dental caries (100%) and periodontal diseases (80%). The clear correlation between periodontium complex inflammation and poor oral hygiene is defined, mostly with men (p<0.05). Structural and optical properties of mixed saliva significantly change subject to periodontium inflammation and xerostomia: severity of xerostomia corresponding to profound hemodynamic and microcirculatory changes causes more intensive structural developmental abnormalities of mixed saliva. The important component of the Periodontal Treatment Protocol is to help older people develop skills and controls of effective thorough tooth brushing.