Prevalence of Oral Normal Variance in Healthy Elderly Patients: A Descriptive Study on Oral Pseudo-Lesions

Abstract

Introduction The aging process in the elderly can change the condition of the oral cavity, regarding both clinical appearance and function. The oral mucosa becomes more susceptible to mechanical damage and irritant agents. Any changes in the oral mucosa, including normal variance, should be examined. This is especially true for the elderly, to improve oral health and prevent any abnormalities. Objective To describe the prevalence of oral normal variance in healthy elderly patients. Methods An observational descriptive study with a cross-sectional design with total sampling conducted from March to April 2020. Results Among the 117 elderly patients who participated in this study, 58 were described as healthy without any comorbidities. From those subjects, there were 117 cases of normal variance in the oral mucosa. The three most prevalent issues were fissured tongue (93.1%), coated tongue (58.62%), and crenated tongue (27.59%). Conclusion Fissured tongue is a normal variance of the oral mucosa that is commonly found in healthy elderly patients.

Prevalence of Tongue Normal Variant Lesions in Geriatric Patients with Hypertension in Surabaya: A Multicenter Observational Study

“…17 In comparison, in the Dental Hospital Airlangga University, the prevalence of fissured tongue in healthy elderly (without degenerative diseases, including hypertension) also showed similar result with a percentage of 93.1%. 18 Based on the result of this study, elderly who take amlodipine were as many as 125 (8.57%) and in proportion with the numbers of participant who suffered fissured tongue.…”

“…Other studies found a lower prevalence of crenated in healthy elderly with a prevalence of 27.59. 18 Crenated tongue may develop due to various factors involving tongue pressure, including habits such as pressing the tongue against the teeth, pushing or sucking on the tongue, bruxism, macroglossia, and tongue thrusting. 24 Management of crenated tongue focuses on treating the underlying cause and promoting oral health.…”

“…25 This study showed that 12.24% of the elderly had lingual varices, while other studies found a higher prevalence of lingual varices in healthy elderly with a prevalence of 15.52%. 18 Lingual varices are developmental anomalies in old age that cause abnormal dilation of veins with unknown causes and may occur on the ventral surface of the tongue. Once the diagnosis is confirmed by the clinical examination, no treatment is required.…”