Publication Date
Spring 4-2019
School
School of Health Sciences
Major
Biology: Biomedical Sciences
Keywords
Periodontitis, oral health, geriatrics, dentistry, diabetes mellitus, Alzheimer's disease, cardiovascular disease, COPD, osteoporosis
Disciplines
Dental Public Health and Education | Dentistry | Geriatrics | Medicine and Health Sciences | Oral Biology and Oral Pathology | Periodontics and Periodontology
Recommended Citation
Weissenfluh, Nicole Grace, "Periodontitis and the Elderly: An Overview of the Disease and its Impact on an Aging Population" (2019). Senior Honors Theses. 831.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/honors/831
Abstract
Periodontitis affects millions of Americans each year, and is especially prevalent among the elderly. Since periodontitis is a chronic, progressive condition, uninterrupted disease progression leads to irreversible oral damage; therefore, periodontitis often reduces the oral health-related quality of life. Furthermore, research strongly suggests a correlation between periodontitis and other systemic diseases (e.g., cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus), highlighting the importance of understanding, treating, and preventing periodontitis. This thesis explores the pathology and etiology of periodontitis, with special focus given to the prevalence and impact of the disease in the elderly population. Additionally, the connection between periodontitis and other systemic diseases common to the elderly will be explored. Finally, treatment and prevention strategies for periodontitis in the elderly will be considered.
Included in
Dental Public Health and Education Commons, Geriatrics Commons, Oral Biology and Oral Pathology Commons, Periodontics and Periodontology Commons
