Author Description

Today's older adult is much more likely to have natural teeth. Because aging and systemic diseases can influence oral health and function, it is important for clinicians to recognize, diagnose and treat oral conditions in the elderly population. This monograph is intended as a quick reference to the etiologic factors, clinical description, currently accepted therapeutic management, and patient education of the more common oral conditions found in geriatric patients. Since oral disease in the elderly can lead to malnutrition, altered communication, and increased susceptibility to infectious diseases, oral health professionals can play a vital role in helping the elderly to achieve optimum quality of life. The authors include topical and systemic drug regimens for treatment of common oral disorders, Special attention is paid to the pharmacokinetics of drug absorption, distribution and metabolism, which are considerably altered in elderly patients.