The Activities of Patients in Geriatric Dentistry at a Dental College Hospital

Many elderly persons suffer from oral discomfort, such as tongue pain and dry mouth, in addition to dental caries, periodontal disease and tooth loss. The aim of this study was to assess the present situation and to define our role.We investigated medical records of 886 new patients from August 1, 2005 to July 31, 2010. They were new patients who visited our dental office.The total number of new patients per year increased each year, except in 2008. Sixty-one percent of the total were elderly, and 77% of the total were female patients. Patients from Fukuoka Prefecture totaled 93%, and 73% of them were from Kitakyushu City, where our college is located. The ratio of introduction from other department of our hospital was 47%. Most of primary complaints were tongue pain and dry mouth. From the questionnaire about their health condition, including matters in the oral region, almost all of the subjects had problems such as sense of roughness in the mouth or tongue, thirst, dry mouth or sticky saliva. Moreover, 82% of the total had already visited another doctor, while 81% of the total had taken medicine.There were many patients who had oral discomfort. The results suggested we have to take care of not only oral symptoms but also patientsʼ general condition and lifestyle, and we must also build cooperation between our college and other medical institutions.