Oral candidiasis in the elderly

Oral candidiasis is a significant infectious process in the elderly. Clinically, it is encountered by the dental practitioner in a variety of ways, including acute and chronic forms. C albicans is also an important factor in the development of angular cheilitis and median rhomboid glossitis. Numerous systemic and local conditions common to the elderly predispose this population to oral Candida infections. Frequent combinations of these multiple risk factors increase the occurrence of oral candidiasis in older adults. It is imperative that health care providers be cognizant of systemic and local predisposing factors and typical clinical signs and symptoms to provide rational treatment for oral C albicans infections.