Insights into Oral and Systemic Health in Elderly Care: Barriers, Current Strategies, and Recommendations for the Caribbean

Abstract

With increasing life expectancy, the elderly population is growing globally, bringing unique oral health challenges that significantly impact overall health, morbidity, and quality of life. In the Caribbean, where aging populations experience high rates of chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and dementia, alongside disparities in healthcare access, geriatric oral health remains an underserved area. Poor oral health is not an inevitable consequence of aging, but financial constraints, limited specialized services, and poor integration with general healthcare continue to hinder effective management. This narrative review synthesizes existing literature from major databases to provide a comprehensive overview of systemic and oral conditions in the elderly, emphasizing their bidirectional relationship. It identifies key barriers to geriatric dental care and evaluates current healthcare strategies, highlighting the role of interdisciplinary collaboration and policy interventions. Additionally, it offers structured guidelines for managing elderly patients in dental clinics, serving as a practical resource for oral health professionals. The review further presents evidence-based recommendations, including workforce training, increased accessibility through teledentistry, and integrating dental care into general healthcare frameworks. By addressing these gaps, this work aims to inform policymakers and healthcare providers on improving geriatric oral health services, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for the Caribbean’s aging population.