[Various aspects of dental prevention in the elderly].

The number of old people shows increasing tendency worldwide. The prevalence of oral diseases has been increased with age. In the older adult population tooth loss, dental caries and periodontal diseases frequently can be observed as characteristic features of their oral health condition. Additionally people in elderly are frequently suffered from other oral diseases such as xerostomia, orofacial pain, oral cancer. Results of the latest epidemiological studies show that the level of oral health of Hungarian old population is very low. In many cases oral healthcare can't show an optimal situation due to low economic and social circumstances. The present situation need more changes in oral care. It is necessary to recognize the risk factors, to treat the oral diseases properly and to organize an effective oral/dental care system for the old population.