Systemic Diseases and the Elderly

From Volume 37, Issue 9, November 2010 | Pages 604-607

Authors

Christine McCreary

MA, MD, FDS(OM), RCPS, FFD RCSI

Senior Lecturer/Consultant in Oral Medicine

Articles by Christine McCreary

Richeal Ní Ríordáin

BDS, MFD(RCSI)

Clinical Fellow in Oral Medicine, Oral Medicine Unit, Cork University Dental School and Hospital, Wilton, Cork, Ireland

Articles by Richeal Ní Ríordáin

Abstract

Although systemic diseases can occur at any age, they are more common in older patients. Accurate and detailed medical and drug histories are important in dental practice as many conditions and medications can influence oral health and dental care in patients. Not only can these conditions influence patient care in the surgery and oral hygiene at home, but access to dental services may also be adversely affected.

Article