Geriatric Oral Health in Rural India: Care Options during the COVID-19 Pandemic

The long-existing prevalence of maladaptive behaviors, particularly tobacco consumption and smoking continue to be a public health concern in rural India. The COVID-19 pandemic has engendered a state of prolonged home-confinement and social isolation across the globe. The bio-psychosocial changes associated with aging impact the overall wellbeing of older individuals. In addition to impaired physical health and cognitive ability, a vast proportion of older adults in rural India suffer from sub-optimal dental and periodontal health. Dental workers are recommended to thoroughly evaluate the patient’s medical history, underlying conditions and overall susceptibility COVID-19. Fostering preventive dental care among the geriatric, rural population may delay progression of oral infections, and prevent life threatening complications. Efforts towards advancing preventive dental care must persevere, even after the pandemic ceases.