Impact of Systemic Medications on Oral Health: A Cross-Sectional Study Among Geriatric Patients

Abstract

The increasing prevalence of chronic diseases in the aging global population has led to widespread use of systemic medications, often resulting in polypharmacy among geriatric patients. While these drugs are essential for managing conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and autoimmune disorders, their adverse effects on oral health remain underrecognized and insufficiently studied. This review synthesizes current literature alongside cross-sectional observational data to evaluate the multifaceted impact of commonly prescribed systemic medications on oral health outcomes in elderly populations. Key oral manifestations include xerostomia, gingival overgrowth, mucosal ulcerations, medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw, bleeding complications, taste alterations, and increased susceptibility to infections. The interplay between age-related physiological changes, polypharmacy, and systemic disease complicates oral care and exacerbates morbidity. Despite the clinical significance, oral side effects are rarely emphasized in pharmacological guidelines, and geriatric-specific data remain limited. The review highlights the need for interdisciplinary collaboration between medical and dental professionals, comprehensive geriatric oral health screening protocols, and increased clinician awareness to improve management and preventive strategies. This integrated approach is essential to enhance the quality of life and oral health outcomes in elderly patients receiving long-term systemic pharmacotherapy.