The Journal of the American Dental Association
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Many oral diseases/conditions associated with aging are complex and can have a significant effect on the quality of life for ambulatory older adults. Among these are oral cancers and premalignant lesions, vesiculoerosive diseases, candidiasis, aphthous ulcers and herpes virus reactivation. The practitioner should establish the diagnosis so that appropriate management can be instituted. ⋯ Recognition of benign and malignant mucosal lesions will accelerate proper treatment that will help control a variety of oral diseases and conditions. It also will improve the quality of life for many elderly patients who experience associated pain and altered oral functions.