Dementia and oral health.

Older adults are the most rapidly growing segment of the population, and the prevalence of dementia in this cohort is increasing as well. Diagnostic and management strategies for dementia are improving. With significantly more dentate older adults, there will be an increased need in the future for dental care services for the geriatric population with dementia. Research reports demonstrate impaired oral health even in community-dwelling adults with moderate dementia. Therefore, oral health care providers will be increasingly challenged with preserving oral and nutritional health in these patients in order to diminish pain and pathology and to maintain the dignity and quality of life of a person with dementia.