Improving oral health to enhance general health in elderly people in Uruguay

A review of ways in which the oral health and general health of elderly peo ple in Uruguay is presented. The dental profession has not yet understood t he real dimension an ageing population brings with it, nor its responsibili ty for general and psychosocial health of older adults. Generally, Uruguay as a developing country, is increasing its social policies, therefore there is much to be done. Specifically, dentists and specialists in gerodontolog y are not sufficiently conscious of the role they play in this process. How ever, to be successful in this endeavour, dental professionals really need the support of their country, without which no changes can take place. An a ccurate management of gerodontology is not enough, some aspects of older ad ult's lifestyles must be studied such as the psychological and social profi le. The objective is not to work in several specialties but to work properl y as a team co-ordinated by the national authorities.