Compared to previous generations, 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 be able to recognize, diagnose and treat oral conditions in the elderly population. This monograph, part of the American Academy of Oral Medicine's (AAOM) Clinician's Guide series 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 directly or indirectly to malnutrition, altered communication, increased susceptibility to infectious diseases, oral health professionals can play a vital role in helping the elderly to achieve optimum quality of life.

The book also offers topical and systemic drug regimens for treatment of common oral disorders with special attention to the fact that the pharmacokinetics of drug absorption, distribution and metabolism are considerably altered in elderly patients.