Biography
Biography: Michael J. Sigal
Abstract
Due to the increase in the elderly population the management of these individuals as they age will continue to present a challenge to the healthcare team. Many elderly will have some or all of their teeth due to improved dental care throughout their lives. Oral hygiene and oral care in the elderly, especially frail elderly is generally poor. However the continuance of good oral health is essential to the maintenance of the elderly individual’s quality of life and to prevent infections which may affect their general health. The maintenance of good oral health has the potential to reduce the incidence of community acquired pneumonia. This presentation will present an overview of the relationship between oral and general health in the elderly patient and then provides an overview regarding oral assessment, treatment and prevention of dental disease.