Most common oral alterations in the elderly--a review.

The population of Brazil is experiencing a fast and progressive aging process. Oral mucosa, which has a function as a barrier, is compromised by the aging process, allowing the action of predisposing agents. The older the population, the greater is the prevalence of lesions in oral mucosa. The causes may be neoplastic, infectious, bone pathologies, oral manifestations of systemic diseases, nutritional deficiencies, dental prostheses, medicaments, and bullous diseases, among others. Examination of the oral cavity should be carried out as an annual routine, and as a preventive measure for the entire elderly population, in order to reduce the morbidity and mortality from these diseases.