Drugs and the geriatric patient. A dental hygiene perspective.

The increasing proportion of elderly people in American society offers a challenge to dental hygienists. It is important that dental hygienists possess a basic knowledge of medications generally prescribed for the elderly. The purpose of this paper is to inform the practicing hygienist about the drugs most commonly used by the elderly. General physiological results of aging that affect drug therapy, four basic categories of drugs prescribed for the elderly, and drug-induced oral conditions are discussed. In addition, reference manuals are recommended for use at chairside by the practicing hygienist.