Resumo

CHAGAS, Adriana Moura  e  ROCHA, Eliana Dantas. Physiological aspects of ageing and contribution of Odontology to the health of elderly. Rev. Bras. Odontol. [online]. 2012, vol.69, n.1, pp. 94-96. ISSN 1984-3747.

Aging is a dynamic and progressive process, in which there are morphological, functional and biochemical changes which gradually will transform the body. These changes require a close watch because it increases the susceptibility for the development of pathologies. This study is being developed through a review of scientific literature and its objectives are to review and highlight the main physiological modifications that characterize aging and relate them to oral health, recognizing the role of dentistry in the health of elderly. The knowledge about the physiology of aging is the emergence of new terapeutic and prevention methods that contribute to improve the quality of life for seniors.

Palavras-chave : senescence; physiology; oral health.