Handbook of Dental Therapeutics

A hallmark of the 21st century is that people are living longer than ever before, making it increasingly likely that dental patients are in their later years. In 2020, the proportion of Australians aged 65 years and older reached 16.3%, increasing from 12.4% in 2000, and it is currently predicted to reach ~25% by 2050. Meanwhile, people aged 85 years and over are in the fastest growing sector, increasing by 2.5% in 2020 alone, and by 110% over the preceding 20 years, compared with growth of only 35% for the total population over the same period. Caring for older patients with ageing oral health is an increasing challenge for dental practitioners. In addition to living longer, older Australians are retaining their own teeth for longer. Changes in the oral cavity due to ageing reflect changes throughout the rest of the body, such as loss of elasticity, decreased muscle tone and degradation of hard and soft tissues due to wear and tear. With greater likelihood of medical diagnoses and prescription of medications, healthcare of older patients becomes more complex. Many age-related changes in physiology alter the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of medicines in older people.