Improving oral health for the elderly: an interdisciplinary approach

  • I. B. Lamster &
  • M. E. Northridge
(eds) USA: Springer price £48.50; pp 510 ISBN 9780387743363 | ISBN: 978-0-3877-4336-3

Oral health for the elderly is not a book title that would immediately draw my attention; however, having read the book I feel I misjudged its value. The reader is treated to an organised and systematic approach to the subject and the book is both factual and thought provoking. Some areas challenge our conscience and understanding of the particular dental needs of the older population. The authors remind the reader that older adults are at increased risk of poor oral health because of access to care including physical and cognitive impairments, accessibility for wheelchairs and dental staff not prepared to treat them. The text is peppered with references that support the opinions of the writers and give weight to the statements that indicate that older people are living longer and are forming a greater proportion of the population. The authors also state that they disproportionately suffer from oral disease but access dentistry less than their needs specify.

This book would appeal to dental healthcare workers employed in dental public health or special care dentistry, with some of the book's focus being centred on epidemiology and planning the service provision for the future. For dentists working in special care dentistry or those who have an interest in gerodontology, it provides a good source of reference for systemic diseases that commonly affect older adults and the impact this has upon their oral health.

The book is laid out in four specific chapters with the first section covering dental public health issues. It discusses access and other difficulties faced by the older patient such as differing disease patterns, the financial burden and mobility problems. The second part covers health and medical conditions commonly associated with older people and includes prevalence, aetiology, signs and symptoms. The third chapter describes how medical conditions affect the oral health of older individuals and considers tooth loss and options for replacement. The final section makes recommendations to the profession for future provision of good oral care to an increasing population of older people.

Although the book has been written for the American market, the authors make observations that are relevant to the UK; however, it requires the reader to carry out some further research if they need to quote facts and figures pertaining to this country. The book also covers polypharmacy, reminding the reader that older people often take a cocktail of drugs to maintain their health. Some of the drugs listed in the book have a different name to those listed in the British National Formulary and the reader needs to check for the correct British name for the corresponding drug and any possible drug interactions.

That said, the book is well written and encourages us to consider the older person holistically. It is an essential read for dental healthcare workers who treat, plan and care for older adults and whose future dental treatment will require more thought and consideration around their complex needs.