Current Perspectives on Geriatric Oral Health in India: A Narrative Review
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Abstract
India, which comprises 2.4% of the world's land area, supports over 17.5% of the global population. As the second most populous nation with more than 1.41 billion people, the country's demographic landscape is shifting rapidly. According to the 2023 India Ageing Report by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the elderly population is expected to double, surpassing 20% of the total population by 2050. By 2046, the number of older adults is projected to exceed that of children aged 0 to 15 years.
This demographic transition presents significant challenges, particularly in healthcare, including oral health. Advancements in medical science have contributed to increased life expectancy, allowing healthcare professionals to better understand their unique oral health concern. Elderly individuals, either homebound or in nursing facilities, often experience complex medical conditions and are prescribed medications impacting their overall and oral health.
Given the intricate relationship between chronic diseases and oral health, an integrated multidisciplinary approach is essential to ensure proper dental care for older adults. This review explores the current oral health challenges faced by elderly individuals in India and proposes strategies to enhance dental care infrastructure and education policies in geriatric dentistry, aiming for improved health outcomes for the ageing population.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Dr Debasmita Mitra Ghosh, Dr Sourav Bhattacharya, Dr Mitali Majumder, Dr Sanjukta Bagchi, Dr Pinaki Roy, Dr Nairita Saha
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Creative Commons License All articles published in Annals of Medicine and Medical Sciences are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
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