Oral sequelae of common geriatric diseases, disorders, and impairments

The oral cavity is responsible for two essential functions: the production of speech and the initiation of alimentation. All of the specialized oral tissues and sensory systems that allow for the execution of these functions are susceptible to age-, disease-, and treatment-related changes, and alterations in any one or more function may result in deleterious consequences to the host and impact on the quality of life. Oral physiology is generally believed to be age-stable in healthy individuals; however, in the presence of single or multiple medical diseases and their treatment, these functions deteriorate. This article focuses on the influence of common geriatric diseases, disorders, and impairments on oral health and function. Data are presented to suggest that oral health is altered in the presence of heart, cerebrovascular, liver, and renal diseases, cancer, COPD, diabetes, pneumonia, and influenza. Arthritic, hearing, visual, orthopedic, and speech impairments multiple medical problems. Finally, adjustments in treatment and management strategies may be necessary for older patients with these diseases and impairments.