PROMOTING ORAL HEALTH IN ELDERLY PEOPLE: EVALUATION OF RISK FACTORS AND PREVENTIVE STRATEGIES

Abstract

Aging brings physiological changes to the oral cavity, such as reduced saliva production, tooth loss, and bone fragility, which can be worsened by comorbidities like diabetes and hypertension. This study aimed to analyze prevention and intervention strategies for the oral health of the elderly, emphasizing the importance of public policies, health education, and technologies applied to dental care for this population. The methodology employed was a literature review, focusing on scientific articles and specialized publications, highlighting oral hygiene practices, healthy eating, the role of caregivers, and the challenges of accessing dental services. It was found that there is a need to expand dental coverage in Brazil’s Unified Health System (SUS) and to adopt new technologies, such as personalized dentures and minimally invasive techniques. It was concluded that oral healthcare for the elderly must be addressed in a multidisciplinary way, involving dentists, nutritionists, and geriatricians, to ensure quality of life in old age.