Halitosis and aged dental patients: the role of the general dentist

In the coming decades the developed countries will experience a double ageing of their population. The relationship between general and oral health must be understood by the general dental practitioner if therapies are to be effective. Halitosis is an offensive odor usually originating from the oral cavity and can lead to anxiety and psychosocial embarrassment. The occurrence of halitosis is closely related to intraoral conditions including xerostomia.

Selection of the cutoff value for subjective masticatory functional test

Background & Aim: In 2014, the concept of oral frailty was introduced in Japan, showing that maintenance of oral functions is important to prevent physical frailty. In March 2018, oral hypofunction was recognized as a disease name. From April, 7 oral signs or symptoms (oral uncleanness, oral dryness, decline in occlusal force, decline in motor function of tongue and lips, decline in tongue pressure, decline in chewing function, and decline in swallowing function) were covered by insurance, and interest in oral function increased.