title: Periodontal disease in elderly patients.
abstract: In the elderly patients a greater loss of teeth is frequently seen in combination with periodontal diseases. This article presents an overview of the changes of oral structures during ageing as well as immunology, physical and psychological aspects. Also summarised are complications by systemic illnesses, drug medications and periodontal alterations. If possible illnesses and medications are taken into consideration, there should be no special problem for the elderly patients.
authors.affiliation: Policlinic for Periodontitis and Conservative Dentistry, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, Germany.
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Willershausen-Zönnchen
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Gleissner
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000276:immunology / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D009910:Oral Hygiene; D010518:Periodontitis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy