title: Dental Care in the Frail Older Adult: Special Considerations and Recommendations.
abstract: Frail older adults disproportionately suffer from untreated dental problems. Age-related biological changes to hard and soft dental tissues, existing medical conditions, polypharmacy, diet and uncontrolled plaque exacerbate the problem. All of these factors increase the complexity of treatment and will differ greatly from standard treatment of younger adults. This article discusses the key considerations and suggestions for risk assessment, disease management, treatment planning and palliative care to maintain the patient's comfort and quality of life.
authors.forename: Pamela
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Stein
authors.forename: Joanna
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Aalboe
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D002180:Candidiasis, Oral / Q000517:prevention & control; D002908:Chronic Disease; D016321:Dental Care for Aged; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000517:prevention & control; D003773:Dental Plaque / Q000517:prevention & control; D004032:Diet; D019468:Disease Management; D004955:Esthetics, Dental; D016330:Frail Elderly; D006801:Humans; D009059:Mouth Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control; D009910:Oral Hygiene; D010166:Palliative Care; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D026684:Personal Autonomy; D019338:Polypharmacy; D011788:Quality of Life; D018570:Risk Assessment; D014987:Xerostomia / Q000517:prevention & control