oral health & aging awareness by michelle martin rdh, mph
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ORAL HEALTH & AGING AWARENESS by Michelle Martin RDH, MPH. “Elderly suffer a disproportionate & debilitating amount of oral disease.”. - Alliance for Aging Research. Oral Health Trivia. TRUE or FALSE?. People with Diabetes are at a greater risk of developing gum disease. - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
ORAL HEALTH & AGING AWARENESS
by Michelle Martin RDH, MPH
“Elderly suffer a disproportionate & debilitating amount of oral disease.”
- Alliance for Aging Research
People with Diabetes are at a greater risk of developing gum disease.
Oral Health Trivia
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) medications can affect your mouth.
TRUE or FALSE?
Healthy eating can contribute to the condition of a an individuals mouth.
Among new military recruits in 2010, what percentage were not deployed because of significant dental issues?
A. 0-40%
B. 40-60%
C. 60% +
One Last Trivia Question???
Why is oral health so
important?
Heart Disease Stroke Pneumonia Diabetes
Bacteria in the Mouth…
“… providing mechanical oral hygiene may prevent 1 in 10 deaths from pneumonia in dependent elderly people and show similar pneumonia prevention effect.”
(Sjogren, P., et al: JAGS 2008 (56); 2124-30)
35% of all Americans have some form of PD 13% have severe periodontal disease
75% of all Americans have inflammation of the gums (gingivitis)
Progression of gingivitis to bone loss: Pockets form around the teeth Pockets gradually deepen, ulcerate Bone loss visible on x-rays
Periodontal Disease (Gum Disease)
Nearly 1/3 of people with diabetes have severe bone loss (CDC)
Diabetics are 3 - 4 times more likely to develop periodontal disease (gum disease)
Gum Disease , Diabetes and our Hearts
Develop infections easier Can contribute to heart disease
Can contribute to pneumonia (http://www.perio.org/consumer/mbc.diabetes.htm)
Oral Health as We Age
“A feeling that there is not enough saliva in the mouth, all or most of the
time.”(NIH Senior Health, 2003)
Xerostomia:Dry Mouth
Sjögren's syndrome
HIV/AIDSAlzheimer's diseaseDiabetesAnemiaCystic fibrosisCrohn’s disease
Systemic Lupus Erythematosis
Rheumatoid arthritisHypertensionParkinson's diseaseStrokeSclerodermaHepatitis
Risk Factors for Dry MouthA side effect of certain diseases
and infections:
Antidepressants Antihypertensives Narcotics Anticholinergics Antipsychotics Anti-Parkinson Antiasthmatics Anorexiants Anticonvulsants Antacids
Hormone replacements
Diuretics Sedatives Inhalants Decongestants Glaucoma eye
drops Antihistamines Pseudoephedrine
Risk Factors for Dry MouthA side effect of over 500 medications:
(USDHHS, 2008)
Dry, sticky oral tissues Thick saliva Ulcers in mouth Cracking of the corners of
the mouth or tongue Bad breath Frequent yeast infections Red gums that bleed easily Increased tartar build up
Signs of Dry Mouth
Increased dental decay
Symptoms of Dry Moutho Sore or burning mouth, lips or tongueo Sleep interruptions due to thirst or oral
discomfort o Difficulty chewing, speaking, swallowing and
wearing dentureso Difficulty clearing leftover food in the mouth o Patient may avoid eating dry foods
Dry mouth may contribute to:
Inflammation Yeast infections Tooth decay Gum disease
ORAL CAVITY PROBLEMS
Severe Decay …the longer one waits
Over the counter products might be sufficient
Talk with doctor/ dentist for prescriptions
Prevent or Manage Dry Mouth
Mints and Hard CandiesAVOID SUGAR CANDY Sugar-Free Candies
Okay!
Handle with great care – very expensive Brush & rinse dentures daily – soft
bristles designed for dentures Clean with denture cleanser – NOT
toothpaste
Denture Care
Dentures need to be kept moist when not worn
Important to remove to allow oxygen to get to tissues
ONLY a dentist/ prosthodontist should adjust dentures
Denture Care
Put in denture case NOT a Kleenex/paper
towel! Remember to still brush gums and palate
Conditions with a high risk of infection antibiotics are recommended prior to some dental procedures Most conditions of the heart,
pace makers, heart valves etc.
Check with doctor/dentist
Antibiotics
(http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/p/Premedication-or-Antibiotics)
Aging in general increases the risk of oral cancer
Dry mouth from RX’s Eventually dependant on
care giver
Dementia and Oral Health
Early stages help remind about daily brushing
Increase fluoride treatments
Use alcohol-based pen to write name on dentures
Dementia and Oral Health
Promoting Healthy Habits
Be SMART brushers◦ 2x day for 2 minutes
Floss daily Prevent dry mouth
◦ Biotene or generic brand◦ Keep mouth moist!
Eat healthy fruits & vegetables
Daily Prevention Habits
Use floss holders Arthritis or other conditions that limit movement…• Electric toothbrush• Duck tape a golf ball securely to
handle of regular toothbrush NEVER put your fingers between teeth
Helpful Tips
(http://www.arthritistoday.org/news/gum-disease.php)
Studies show professional teeth cleaning lowers inflammation and pain in Arthritis patients…
Helpful Positioning
(South Australian Dental Service, 2009)
Changed Behavior Fear if being touched Not opening mouth Not understanding or
responding to directions
Biting the toothbrush Grabbing or hitting
out
(South Australian Dental Service, 2009)
Managing Changed Behavior Talk clearly, mime Allow resident to inspect the items Right environment Body language Overcoming fear of being touched
◦ Bridging◦ Chaining◦ Hand over hand◦ Distraction◦ Rescuing
(South Australian Dental Service, 2009)
Bleeding gums Sore mouth or tongue Sore corners of
mouth, tongue Thrush (candidiasis) Gum disease
(gingivitis) or severe gum disease (periodontitis)
Document and Report
Ulcers and sore spots
Dry mouth Tooth decay, root
decay, retained tooth roots
Dentures that are ill-fitting or require attention
Document and Report
Maintain a healthy diet in order to maintain good:
Nutrition Contributes to Overall Wellness
• Physical condition• Memory • Bone health• Eye health• Blood circulation • Immune system • ORAL HEALTH
Half of plate = fruits and vegetables
At least half of grains = whole grains
Vary protein choices Cut back on foods that are
high in sodium or fat Drink plenty of fluids
◦ As we age, we start loosing our sense of thirst.
Exercise!
Nutrition Guidelines
(USDA MyPlate, 2013)
Thank You!
Any Questions???http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/adults-over-60/healthy-habits.aspx