Gerodontia

/ˌdʒɛroʊˈdɑnʃə/ noun

Definition

The branch of dentistry that deals with the dental problems and oral health care of elderly people.

Etymology

From Greek 'geron' (old man) + 'odont' (tooth) + '-ia' (condition). Created in the 20th century as dental medicine recognized elderly patients needed specialized care.

Kelly Says

Senior citizens often need different dental solutions than younger people—their gums recede, medications dry their mouths, and many grew up before fluoride, making specialized 'gerodontia' genuinely necessary.

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