Oral Health Assessment in Primary and Institutional Care

Frauke Müller; Leonardo Marchini

doi:10.1007/978-3-030-41468-9_7

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Book chapter

Oral Health Assessment in Primary and Institutional Care

Frauke Müller and Leonardo Marchini

Gerodontology Essentials for Health Care Professionals, pp.113-129

Practical Issues in Geriatrics, Springer International Publishing

06/03/2020

DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-41468-9_7

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Abstract

Gradual improvement in the prevention and treatment of oral diseases lead to the current and future older adults being likely to keeping all, or at least most teeth for life. However, age-related risk factors render elder persons more susceptible for rapid oral health deterioration, and consequently they often present worse oral health compared to younger cohorts. Due to limited income, reduced mobility and a shift in priorities, many older adults have irregular access to oral healthcare and a lower uptake of dental services. Yet, preserving oral health and a functional dentition is important for the general well-being. Beyond just preventing local pain, maintaining appropriate oral health reduces the risk of infection and oral bacteria spreading to other organs, helps keeping adequate nutritional intake, and maintains the appearance, thus fostering social interaction. Frequent oral health examinations allow for prevention, and if necessary early intervention, especially for oral cancer. As older patients consult with primary care providers more often than with dentists, it is strategic for primary care providers to understand the importance of oral health for the well-being of older adults and systematically screen for oral health problems during patients interviews and physical examinations. This chapter describes how primary care providers can perform quick and efficient oral health screenings for their patients, leading to a decision about when a patient needs to be referred to a dentist.

Interdisciplinary communication

Oral diagnosis

Oral cancer

Oral infection

Oral prevention

Mouth diseases

Oral examination

Oral health

Details

Title: Subtitle: Oral Health Assessment in Primary and Institutional Care
Creators: Frauke Müller - Division of Gerodontology and Removable Prosthodontics, University Clinics of Dental Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
Leonardo Marchini - Department of Preventive and Community Dentistry, University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics, Iowa City, USA
Resource Type: Book chapter
Publication Details: Gerodontology Essentials for Health Care Professionals, pp.113-129
Series: Practical Issues in Geriatrics
DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-41468-9_7
eISSN: 2509-6079
ISSN: 2509-6060
Publisher: Springer International Publishing; Cham
Language: English
Date published: 06/03/2020
Academic Unit: Preventive and Community Dentistry
Record Identifier: 9983997200202771

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