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Oral Health Assessment by Lay Personnel for Older Adults
Published on: February 2, 2020
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PHARMACOTHERAPY FOR THE ELDERLY DENTAL PATIENT
Aviv Ouanounou1, Daniel A Haas
1University of Toronto, Toronto ON.
Journal (Canadian Dental Association)
|December 19, 2015
Summary
As the North American population ages, dentists must understand altered drug effects in elderly patients. Awareness of polypharmacy and potential drug interactions is crucial for safe dental prescribing.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Pharmacology
- Dental Therapeutics
- Clinical Pharmacy
Background:
- The North American population is aging, with a projected increase in the elderly demographic.
- Older adults frequently experience multiple chronic conditions, impacting their quality of life and healthcare utilization.
- Physiological changes in advanced age alter drug pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, increasing risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic alterations in elderly dental patients.
- To highlight the challenges and considerations of polypharmacy in this population.
- To guide dental professionals in safe prescribing practices for older adults.
Main Methods:
- Review of current demographic data on population aging.
- Analysis of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic changes associated with aging.
- Discussion of polypharmacy and its implications in elderly patients.
- Emphasis on commonly prescribed dental drugs: local anesthetics, analgesics, and antibiotics.
Main Results:
- Altered drug metabolism and response in the elderly necessitate careful medication management.
- Polypharmacy significantly elevates the risk of adverse drug reactions and interactions.
- Dentists must be vigilant regarding all medications a patient is taking, including OTC and supplements.
Conclusions:
- Dentists must possess a thorough understanding of geriatric pharmacologic principles.
- Proactive consideration of drug interactions is essential for patient safety in dental practice.
- Tailoring prescriptions to the unique needs of aging patients improves therapeutic outcomes and minimizes risks.
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