Context: World'spopulation is ageing and increase in geriatric population demands improved oral health care. Previous epidemiologic studies in general population of India and particularly in Kerala (state with maximum proportion of elderly) provided very little information about oral mucosal lesions in elderly. Aims: To find out the prevalence, pattern and distribution of oral mucosal lesions in geriatric patients and to explore their association with different study variables. Settings and Design: A descriptive, hospital-based, cross sectional study was conducted for a period of 9 months in the out-patient clinic, Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Government Dental College, Kozhikode (tertiary healthcare centre in Kerala, India). Methods and Materials: Participants aged 60 and above were selected by consecutive sampling. Data were collected through clinical examination and by using a structured proforma. Statistical Analysis Used: Descriptive statistics with tests of significance of associations were done. Results: The geriatric population (N=750, 66.89 ± 6.07, M: F=1.4:1), was recruited by screening 43,180, and 447 (67.29 ± 6.15, M: F=2:1) were identified having oral mucosal lesions withprevalence of 59.6% (95% CI=56.05–63.05). Most common lesion group was red and white (73.2%), followed by pigmented (15.5%). Oral mucosal lesions were significantly associated with age over 65, male gender, presence of habit and denture usage ( P < 0.05). Conclusions: The prevalence of oral mucosal lesions in geriatric people is high. Hence setting up of geriatric dental clinics, with appropriate preventive and palliative intervention strategies is mandatory.

Objectives: To explore unique characteristics of HPV related oral malignant and premalignant lesions and to describe role of dental surgeons in prevention of this viral-induced carcinogenesis. Methods: Extensive literature search was conducted to identify articles detailing HPV associated diseases. Data collected were categorised under relevant titles of clinical interest. Results: Peculiarities of HPV linked cancers in head and neck include its different mode of transmission, younger age distribution, irrelevant habit history, good treatment response, better survival rates, less chance of local recurrence and low distant metastasis. Conclusions: The most distinguishing feature of HPV related head and neck cancers is that it is vaccine preventable. Dental surgeons have got an influential role in creating patient awareness regarding this emerging epidemic. The article advocate further research in this regard. Key Message: The carcinogenic potential of Human papilloma virus has been an interesting topic of research for the past few decades. This article discusses the recent epidemiologic and etiologic trends in Human Papilloma Virusassociated head and neck cancers, its presence in precancerous lesions and its implication in dental practise.