Integration of oral health care into geriatric primary care: proposal for collaboration.

Cha l l enges Many people who are elderly, especially those who are homebound, discontinue regular oral health care due to their inability to access care. Reasons for this include transportation challenges, difficulty in finding a provider, inability to schedule personal appointments, and funding. Lack of regular oral health care results in tooth decay, broken teeth, abscessed teeth, and inflamed gingival tissues. Subsequent issues include difficulty eating, difficulty speaking, pain, and acute medical needs. Since dental professionals are unable to provide preventive services and monitor oral health when patients discontinue office visits, the role of the geriatric primary care team is critical in identifying persons who need to be connected to regular oral healthcare services.