[Oral health among the elderly].

A large proportion of our population is ageing with own teeth in the mouth. Good oral health and an adequate number of teeth improve the functional capacity of an elderly person. Oral diseases are, however, becoming more common among the elderly population with the accumulation of risk factors such as insufficient self-care, cariogenic diet, reduced salivation, smoking and systemic diseases. Dryness of the mouth due to the adverse effects of drugs or systemic diseases makes eating and cleaning of the mouth more difficult. Prevention of oral diseases with good self-care and regular dental examinations is essential.