Geriatric institutions and neglecting dental care

Abstract

Elderly abuse represents a whole of actions that include mistreatment, intentionally or not, or neglect against elder people. Mistreatment and neglect may be presence as restrictions, lack of basic care, poor hygiene, poor work conditions and lack of qualificated careers. Poor hygiene is the most serious problem of oral health on clependent elderly. In this population, oral hygiene must be provided. However, it has been constantly neglected, resulting in oral health collapse. Thc aim of this work is discuss some concepts and classify elderly abuse and neglect, list hypothesis of risk factors, review the legislation and identify the difficulties of caregivers. Furthermore, this study wants to stress the necessity of dentist's attention and responsibility of this issue. Dentists must be aware on this reality due to the high prevalence of oral health problems and needs in this group, emphasizing their social responsibility. Oral health care must be joined with the whole health attention, considering that quality of life of elderly people is strongly influenced by oral health conditions.