Fluorides for the elderly.

With the current decline in the rate of dental caries among school children, the elderly now have the higher rate of decayed coronal surfaces in addition to being susceptible to root caries. The most effective strategy that the profession can take is twofold: thoroughly assess the level of caries risk of the elderly individual, and institute recognized measures of fluoride therapy commensurate with the defined risk. This review article describes risk indicators characteristic of the elderly patient and offers specific fluoride regimens for low, moderate and high risk subjects.