Aging or disease? Periodontal changes and treatment considerations in the older dental patient.

The segment of our society over age 65 is growing, and many more of these people are keeping their teeth for a longer period of time. This suggests that there will be additional need for periodontal therapy in the future, but it also implies that disease-related events must be distinguished from age-related changes. Changes in the periodontium with aging are reviewed, and periodontal disease management strategies in the older patient are discussed.