Principles of geriatric dentistry and their application to the older adult with a physical disability.

The older adult living with a physical disability faces many daily challenges. Limited hand function or impaired cognition often has profound effects on activities of daily life including oral hygiene. This article explores age-related changed in dentition and common causes of pathology of the oral cavity with special emphasis in populations with impaired hand function or cognition. This article will also assist the treating physician as it relates to oral diagnosis and patient management.