Saúde bucal do idoso e necessidade de prótese: uma revisão da literatura

Abstract

The aging of the population age structure and the change is a reality. The elderly population has increasingly complex oral health care. Among the oral problems that edentulism is one that most affects this audience. The aim of this study was to review scientific literature on oral health status of the elderly in Brazil and the need prosthesis, mainly because of edentulism. We performed a literature review of scientific production in health, through a survey in SciELO Electronic Library and BIREME, having consulted the databases LILACS and MEDLINE. The elderly population presents many dental problems. The need for prostheses and edentulism are problems arising from the failure of programs designed for this age group and difficulty of access to public services. Tooth loss is not only a consequence of the progression of oral diseases, but also of social, economic, and availability of oral health services. One can conclude that edentulism is a major oral health problems affecting the elderly. Lack of access and the need for more complex procedures are factors contributing to this reality. To change this situation will require a health care network organized and articulated between levels and reference system and cross-reference that works. Offer comprehensive care for the elderly, is still a challenge for the Brazilian health system.