Abstract

Oral lesions are a significant concern among older adults because they can progress to oral cancer if not diagnosed and treated promptly and effectively. Transportation to the hospital is a major barrier to oral healthcare for many older adults. The purpose of this editorial is to address the challenges of managing oral potentially malignant disorders in the older population, highlighting the barriers they face in accessing healthcare services, the potential use of laser therapy for management, and the direction of research in this area. Due to the limited access of the older to healthcare services, primary healthcare facilities within communities serve as their primary providers. Laser therapy is recommended for the management of oral potentially malignant disorders due to its favorable outcomes. This approach has been tested in several primary healthcare centers in Thailand. In our project, laser therapy was used to treat oral potentially malignant disorders in primary and secondary healthcare services. This includes photodynamic therapy for older patients with extensive lesions, as well as individuals with oral leukoplakia and erythroplakia who have declined curative surgery. It has also been used in cases of recalcitrant lichen planus to steroid or photobiomodulation therapy. This approach has been well accepted by both oral healthcare providers and patients. To expand access to these treatment options in such settings, it is critical to empower healthcare professionals, particularly dentists and dental nurses, to integrate laser techniques into geriatric care and oral cancer screening. Establishing a network foundation for orofacial laserology would also enhance the potential of such settings.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.