Age, gender, oestrogen therapy and dentition replacement

An increasing number of older people are retaining their teeth in the UK. Edentulism is gradually declining and will increasingly become a feature of social deprivation. This review covers the processes of ageing in teeth, the peridontium, the oral mucosa, muscles of mastication, salivary glands and taste. Diseases of the oral mucosa, in particular cancer, are examined. Tooth decay and peridontal disease are discussed. The relationship between systemic health and oral health status are becoming increasingly important. The effect of diet and tobacco smoking are explored. Finally, the association between peridontal disease and osteoporosis, atherosclerosis, venous thromboembolism are discussed.