1 Caring for the Aging MouthPresenters: Mary Lewis Theresa Ramsay Gehan Ibrahim Michelle Barreto Meily Gomez Jennifer Devivo –Baptiste Spring 2017
2 Oral Health Oral health is essential to general health and quality of life. It is a state of being free from mouth and facial pain, oral and throat cancer, oral infection and sores, periodontal (gum) disease, tooth decay, tooth loss, and other diseases and disorders that limit an individual’s capacity in biting, chewing, smiling, speaking, and psychosocial well being.
3 Dental Facts
4 Common Dental ProblemsCommonly encountered dental problems in seniors: Dental decay/tooth loss Gum disease Stomatitis Glossitis Tooth wear/excessive staining Loss/altered taste Dentures repeatedly getting loose.
5 Smoking causes…
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7 Systemic Conditions and your Mouth
8 Patients with DiabetesPatients with diabetes are more at risk for periodontal (gum) disease, dry mouth, and tooth decay, which may lead to loss of teeth with use of certain medications
9 High Blood Pressure The anti-hypertensive medication lowers the elevated blood pressure but has side effects that affect the oral environment which includes: Dry mouth- may lead to gingivitis and tooth decay Altered taste Gingival hyperplasia(enlarged gums)
10 Epilepsy Patients who suffer from seizures have increased risk of:Dental caries Oral trauma Lacerations, including bite injuries to lip and tongue Medications that have side effects and enlarged the gums
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12 Diet and Nutrition Reduced chewing ability Mechanical difficulties with chewing or swallowing due to changes in salivary flow/function (Dry mouth) Loss of natural teeth Ill-fitting dentures Loss of vascularity
13 This can lead to… Altered food choices — reduction of fruit, vegetables, and dietary fiber Loss of enjoyment for food. Nutritional vitamin deficiencies, such as vitamins A, B and C, folic acid, and zinc
14 Monitoring Nutrition If underweight, increased risk of infection and mortality If overweight, increased risk of chronic disease such as diabetes and hypertension Patients who are loosing their teeth for the first time should be given nutritional guidance and support. Nursing and support staff play a key role in the success of their patience oral health, detection of pathologies, and proper nutrition.
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16 Daily Oral Self-Care
17 Importance of BrushingRemoves daily accumulated food and bacteria Disease, Cavities, Bad breath 2x/day with soft brush Electric/Battery operated toothbrushes
18 Floss/Interdental CleanerDental Floss (waxed, un- waxed) Oral Irrigators Interdental Brushes Floss Holders
19 Which to use?? Depends on spacing Ease of Use Crowns/Bridges Dexterity
20 Examples
21 Oral Rinses inflammation, bacteria, infections and fungusHelp the teeth AND oral tissues Dry Mouth Alcohol Free OTC and Prescription strength
22 Fluoride Daily use of fluoridated toothpasteExposed roots = Fluoride Rinse Drink NYC tap water Helps prevent future and stop present tooth decay Rx strength?
23 Additional Aids Enlarged foam handles for easy graspDecreased Dexterity Electric toothbrush
24 Denture Care
25 Best ways to care for removable dentures…Remove and rinse dentures after eating. Handle your dentures carefully Clean your mouth after removing your dentures. Brush your dentures once a day. (Don’t use toothpaste: it is too abrasive.) Soak dentures overnight. Rinse dentures before putting them back in your mouth, especially if using a denture-soaking solution. Brush your gums and tongue every day with an extra-soft toothbrush (not the one you use for cleaning your dentures) or clean them with a damp washcloth.
26 Denture care continued…Removable partial or full dentures require proper care to keep them clean, free from stains and looking their best. Even though you no longer have natural teeth, you still need to pay attention to your oral hygiene. Wearing your dentures 24/7 will prevent you from maintaining good oral hygiene, unnecessarily putting your health at risk.
27 Denture Stomatitis These lesions sometimes show different clinical signs and they’re frequently found on the upper palate (roof of the mouth). This is caused by keeping the denture in the mouth for 24 hours and not removing it overnight. The longer the denture stays in the mouth the more severe and serious it becomes. Most of the time denture stomatitis is asymptomatic, meaning that its not painful, however most patients will complain of halitosis (bad breath), slight bleeding and swelling on the involved area.
28 Angular Cheilitis A lesion that is usually found on the corner of both sides of the mouth. The lip will present cracked, split and red. This may be caused by not removing the denture and lack of proper oral homecare.
29 Remember… Oral health is part of your general healthCan have an effect on quality of life The aging process of the mouth is NORMAL Home care must be customized for you
30 References Razak PA, Richard KMJ, Thankachan RP, Hafiz KAA, Kmar KN, Sameer KM. Geriatric Oral Health: A Review Article. Journal of International Oral Health: JIOH. 2014;6(6): Bissett S, Preshaw P. GUIDE TO PROVIDING MOUTH CARE FOR OLDER PEOPLE. NURSING OLDER PEOPLE [serial online].December 2011;23(10): Available from: CINAHL Complete, Ipswich, MA. Accessed March 1, 2017. Health H, Sturdy D, Lewis D, et al. Promoting older people’s oral health. Nursing Standard [serial online]. January 20, 2011;:1-19. Available from: CINAHL Complete, Ipswich, MA. Accessed March 1, 2017. Custodio, Silvia Maria, Boaventura, Gilsen Teles, Oliveira, Diane de Lima, Rodrigues Junior, Humberto Lauro, Scelza, Miriam F. Zaccaro. Relation Between Oral Health and Nutritional Condition in the Elderly. J Appl Oral Sci. http://www.scielo.br/pdf/jaos/v20n1/08.pdf. Received November 2, Modification February 21, Accepted May 30, 2010. Dentures. Mouth Healthy. Accessed Oct. 14, 2014. Felton D, et al. Evidence-based guidelines for the care and maintenance of complete dentures: A publication of the American College of Prosthodontists. Journal of the American Dental Association ;142:1S.