Promoting Oral Health for Older Adults in the Asia-Pacific Region

Abstract

The population of the Asia-Pacific region is ageing, and oral diseases are prevalent. Most Asian older adults had periodontal disease, and two-thirds of them had untreated caries. Ageing, medical conditions, and polypharmacy make older adults vulnerable to oral diseases. Oral health is related to systemic health, morbidity, and mortality, making it a key element in healthy ageing for older adults. Recognizing the importance of oral health in the general well-being of older adults, the Asia Pacific Dental Federation hosted the Asia Pacific Dental Congress 2024 and convened public health experts to develop recommendations for promoting oral health in older adults across Asia-Pacific countries and regions. The experts reviewed the current literature and recommended that stakeholders share roles in promoting oral health for older adults. Policymakers should implement universal coverage for oral health care and integrate oral health into general health care for older adults. Professional organizations and dental associations should conduct interprofessional training in geriatric oral care, perform surveillance of oral diseases, organize community-based oral health education, and implement programs for oral disease prevention for older adults. Academics should include geriatric oral care in the curricula for dental schools and other health-related schools. They should also conduct research to develop evidence-based best practices for older adults. Dental professionals should perform regular examinations to detect oral diseases early and use the common risk factors approach to promote oral and general health in older adults. Additionally, dental professionals should provide preventive measures and adopt minimally invasive approaches to managing oral diseases.

Keywords: Asia-Pacific; Caries; Older adults; Periodontal disease.