The Singapore Family Physician

Back to issue Vol 37 No. 1 - Oral Health in Primary Care

Helping the Silver Generation Smile Part 1

Adeline Wong
Joanna Ngo
Hilary Thean
The Singapore Family Physician Vol 37 No 1 - Oral Health in Primary Care
22 - 23
1 January 2011
0377-5305
Oral health is an integral component of general health and wellbeing. It is essential even in old age. This article highlights common dental conditions affecting the elderly that the general medical practitioner can identify and motivate their patients to seek follow-up oral health care. These are periodontal disease, dental caries, and tooth loss that may require prostheses. Denture hygiene is important for the health of the oral mucosa. Patients must therefore clean and maintain their dentures well with daily cleaning and maintenance. Denture patients also need their annual dental checkups and cases of uncomfortable dentures and inflammation of the oral mucosa should be referred to a dentist for further investigation and management.