Ageing is a natural phenomenon, and is associated with an increase in incidence of oral mucosal lesions (OMLs) such as candidiasis, candida associated denture stomatitis, oral lichen planus, viral infections and oral cancer that have profound impact on the quality of life of an individual. Moreover, elderly population suffer from chronic diseases, adverse drug reactions of medications, and polypharmacy may worsen the oral health care. Geriatric population living in remote areas, have limited access to dental health care centres and require personalized care. Reinforcement of optimal oral hygiene should be a goal and to achieve this dentist should educate and increase awareness among geriatric population about association between oral and systemic health. This review highlights the oral mucosal changes prevalent in the geriatric population and preventive measures that should be adopted for healthy ageing.
Keywords: Age; Geriatric; Oral mucosa; Oral health; Pharmacotherapy.