Ruinous dentition as consequence of root caries

An 88-year-old patient was referred to a geriatric dentist because of seriously neglected dentition and with the desire to look decent again. The deterioration of the dentition turned out to be the result of cognitive and physical decline and polypharmacy. The Clinical Practice Guideline (KPR) 'Root caries in (frail and care-dependent) older people provides recommendations to prevent deterioration of the dentition caused by root caries in older people. The timely recognition of risk factors, the use of additional fluoride measures and the intensification of professional oral care are the central points. In short: not to lose sight of an older patient. It can prevent the destruction of the teeth that the older patient has taken good care of until then.