Resident Oral Health: Getting to the Root of Problems and Solutions

Many older Americans have oral health challenges, for a multitude of reasons. According to the CDC, poor oral health can be contributed to by1:

• A lack of dental insurance
• Not having any natural teeth (this is the case for about 25 percent of adults age 60 or older)
• A higher rate of new tooth decay
• Periodontal (gum) disease, the severity of which increases with age
• Oral and pharyngeal cancer, which are primarily diagnosed in the elderly
• Dry mouth caused by commonly used medications
• Conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, Huntington’s disease and stroke, which can affect oral sensory and motor functions

The good news is that you, as a caregiver, can help the residents at your facility prevent oral health decline. The CDC recommends taking the following steps to help seniors maintain oral health1:

• Serve residents fluoridated water and use fluoride toothpaste for brushing
• Take your time while brushing and flossing to ensure that dental plaque is being removed (this helps prevent periodontal disease)
• Ensure residents have access to routine dental services
• Encourage residents to avoid using tobacco (smokers have seven times the risk of developing periodontal disease as non-smokers as well as an increased risk of developing oral and throat cancers and oral fungal infections)
• Seek professional care for the resident if they have sudden changes in smell or taste
• If a medication is causing dry mouth, ask the physician if an alternate drug is available; if not, encourage the resident to drink plenty of water

In addition to the CDC’s recommendations, Tags F411 F412 also require that facilities provide access to emergency and routine dental services, assist residents with making appointments if needed, arrange transportation to and from the dentist’s office and promptly refer residents with lost or damaged dentures to a dentist.2

Professional Medical’s skilled territory managers are ready to connect you with the products you need for your facility’s comprehensive oral health program. To learn more, contact your territory manager, give us a call at (800) 648-5190 or visit us online at promedsupply.com.


References
1 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Oral Health for Older Americans. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/publications/factsheets/adult_oral_health/adult_older.htm. Accessed April 8, 2015.

2 Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. State Operations Manual. Appendix PP – Guidance to Surveyors for Long Term Care Facilities (Rev. 133, 02-06-15). Available at: https://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Guidance/Manuals/downloads/som107ap_pp_guidelines_ltcf.pdf. Accessed April 8, 2015.