White and red lesions of the oral mucosa

Abstract

Aging of the oral cavity is accompanied by intrinsic corporal changes that may affect its resistance to pathogens, such as reduction of the salivary flow, thinning of the mucosa with reduction of blood flow, and difficulties with oral hygiene caused by deterioration of body movements. However, a significant part of the oral lesions found in the elderly is caused by lifetime environmental aggressions and social problems. Some authors sustain that age by itself does not reduce the defense mechanisms of the oral cavity in healthy individuals. The lesions would be secondary to systemic diseases, malnutrition, and use of medications or poorly adapted dental prostheses [1]. Another peculiarity of elderly patients is the adjustment to some treatment regimens due to the increased rate of adverse effects of drugs and their probable interaction with other medications already in use [2]. © Springer-Verlag London Limited 2008.