Good oral health is important throughout one’s entire lifetime. However, sometimes individuals living in nursing homes or long-term care facilities receive inadequate dental care or even no attention at all to their oral health.
As research has proven time and time again, our oral health is closely linked to our general health. It therefore becomes that much more important to keep our elderly loved ones’ mouths and teeth well cared for as their bodies grow older, weaker and less able to fight off illness and infection. This fact then begs the important question, are high standards of oral care being upheld by the individuals and organizations we entrust to care for our aging population? While I am pleased to see that most of my patients who live in residences here in Brantford are receiving very good oral care, it is important for all of us to remain vigilant about ensuring that the highest standards of oral care are always being upheld in all of these facilities. Here are some questions to ask facilities about their oral care procedures and protocols, as well as things you can watch for if you suspect that your elderly loved one’s oral health is being neglected or compromised in his or her place of residence.
Are oral sponges being used to clean mouths and teeth?
Many facilities housing the elderly rely on sponge swabs to clean their residents’ teeth and mouths. However, these swabs do not remove plaque as effectively as a toothbrush. Whenever possible, a toothbrush should be used. When in doubt about what the best protocols and tools are for cleaning the mouth or teeth of an elderly person, a dentist or dental hygienist should be consulted.
Are dentures removed before bedtime?
A recent Japanese research study revealed that in a community of elders 85 years of age and older, those who slept while wearing their dentures had double the risk of developing pneumonia. Sleeping while wearing dentures can also lead to increased tongue and denture plaque, gum inflammation and Candida Albicans or Oral Thrush, a fungus which has its own share of uncomfortable and unpleasant symptoms. If you suspect that dentures are not being removed at night, pay a quick visit to the residence just after bedtime or before wakeup to see if dentures are soaking in their case where they should be.
Are dentures being properly cleaned?
Plaque and tartar can build up on dentures, just like they do on natural teeth. They must therefore be properly cleaned on a frequent and regular basis. Ask to see a residence’s protocol for keeping dentures clean and inspect your loved one’s dentures yourself to ensure that they are indeed clean and in good condition.
Is there access to appropriate oral care supplies?
Find out who is responsible for equipping your loved one with oral care supplies and ensure that they are always readily available. This should include a soft toothbrush and/or denture brush, Vaseline® for dry lips, and other items like dental floss, toothpaste, denture solution, etc., as appropriate.
What is the frequency of visits to a dental office?
Are these visits frequent enough? Are you satisfied with the care that he or she is receiving there? Ensure that dental appointments are scheduled for routine checkups and cleanings, not just for troubleshooting dental problems as they occur. A proactive approach will help prevent problems from arising in the first place.
Is dental pain or discomfort being addressed?
Sometimes it is not easy or possible at all for elderly residents or those affected by dementia, to communicate pain or discomfort. Are caregivers looking for the signs and symptoms of dental problems? Whenever possible, ask your aging loved one if anything hurts and don’t forget how important those routine checkups are to ensure that there are no problems that could be causing him or her discomfort.
Is dry mouth syndrome being addressed?
Seniors are especially prone to dry mouth syndrome which can be caused by a number of factors including medications. Make sure caregivers are on the lookout for this ailment and familiar with how to identify it, what to do about it, and when it is necessary to seek intervention by a dentist.
Steven Deskin is a Brantford Dentist in general practice.
