Oral Medicine Problems in the Elderly Flashcards
what are the main oral medicine problems in the elderly?
- increasing aging population
- increasing requirement for healthcare
- difficulty accessing healthcare
- reluctance to access healthcare (pride)
- chronic diseases
- polypharmacy
- poor compliance
what are the main areas of conditions that affect the elderly?
- Oral
- Musculoskeletal
- Haematological
- Respiratory
- Genito-urinary
- Cardiovascular
- Psychological
- Neurological
what is haemangioma?
a collection of small blood vessels that form a lump under the skin
what is a fibroepithelial polyp?
also known as a skin tag
a benign tumour/clump of cells
what is geographic tongue?
loss of papillae on the tongues surface resulting in patterned surfaces across the tongue
what is atrophic glossitis?
the absence of filliform or fungiform papillae on the dorsal (top side) surface of the tongue
what is keratosis?
keratinization of an area due to [friction, trauma etc]. Keratinisation thickens the area and protects from further damage. Appearance, white
what is denture-induced hyperplasia?
A lesion arising from excessive and chronic mechanical pressure on the vestibular oral mucosa
what is denture induced stomatitis?
infection of the stoma (opening) in the oral cavity caused by FUNGUS and the denture
what is angular cheilitis?
skin condition affecting corners of your mouth. Cracked skin which is sore and painful
what is xerostomia?
dry mouth due to poor salivary function (could be polypharmacy, smoking, alcohol abuse etc)
how do you manage xerostomia?
- change medications
- salivary replacement
- salivary stimulants
what is lichen planus and what can cause it?
NON-INFECTIOUS inflammation on oral mucosa
lots of drugs such as
- NSAIDs
- B-blockers
- statins
what is a bisphosphonate?
group of meds used to treat bone problems (osteopenia or osteoporosis - reduced bone density) - INHIBIT BONE RESORPTION
what is the risk of bisphosphonates in dental patients?
if theres any invasive dental work, there can be a risk of MRONJ
