Introduction

Dental and oral disorders are only rarely life-threatening, but they can greatly reduce quality of life for the elderly. Poor oral hygiene and inadequate dental care are important contributing factors. Many dental and oral disorders are sequelae of systemic disorders or their treatment (eg, drugs [see Table 104-1], radiation therapy, chemotherapy). Oral and salivary gland cancers are the most serious of these disorders and should be included in the differential diagnosis of many oral lesions; however, most lesions are benign.

Mouth examination without dentures is an important but often overlooked aspect of physical examination of the elderly. In addition, all elderly patients should see a dentist every 6 mo.

This topic was last updated September 2005.