Oral hygiene habits should be followed by older adults
By: Dr. Debbie Armellini 115k Views . 31 Jan 2020
Oral hygiene habits should be followed by older adults
Maintaining proper oral hygiene habits during old age or advanced age is not only basic to our image, but also to prevent some diseases.
We have consulted with dental hygienists the oral hygiene practices to follow when it comes to this type of patient.
“The use of electric brushes or irrigators is recommended”
“As life expectancy increases, the difficulties faced by older people to continue their oral hygiene habits increase. The problems they will face are, on the one hand, the loss of manual ability due to certain pathologies such as arthritis, osteoarthritis ... In these cases the use of electric brushes or irrigators is recommended. And, on the other hand, tooth sensitivity, due to gingival recessions and cervical caries. For this they must use specific toothpastes for sensitivity ”.
"Both partial edentulous patients and patients with natural teeth have to have a tartrectomy a year"
“We have to differentiate two groups: total or partial edentulous patients and patients with natural teeth. Total edentulous should check their mucous membranes every 6 months and prostheses every 2 years. It is also recommended to use specific cleansers for prostheses, cleaning them thoroughly at least once a day. Partial edentulous should check their teeth every 6 months to avoid possible neck caries. In addition, they would have to use pastes and mouthwashes specific for their age and the possible diseases they suffer from: hypertension, diabetes, taking platelet antiaggregants, etc., as well as doing a thorough cleaning of their prostheses. Patients with natural teeth should follow the same hygiene habits as the previous ones. That is, reviews every 6 months and brushed 3 times a day with pastes and mouthwashes special for their age, or diseases such as those described above. Both partial edentulous patients and patients with natural teeth have to have a tartrectomy every year and keep their gums healthy. ”
“Older people have to follow certain habits associated with oral aging such as the use of psychologists”
“Older people should follow the usual oral hygiene habits (such as the correct use of toothbrushing for plaque removal, the use of dental floss, fluoride oral rinses to prevent the appearance of root cavities or interproximal brushes ) with certain habits associated with oral aging. These may be the use of products such as artificial saliva, chewing gum or xylitol candies, glycerin gels or even drugs such as pilocarpine (always under dental supervision) to help reduce the xerostomia caused by the use of certain medications or diseases like diabetes In this way we try to avoid the appearance of candids associated with the use of oral prostheses ”.
"The size of the toothbrush should be appropriate for the user's mobility"
“The size of the toothbrush should be appropriate for the user's mobility, anatomical, ergonomic and non-slip. If the skill is limited or we are facing senile dementia or cognitive impairment, you should use the electric brush with instructions on oral hygiene, displacement following the contour of the teeth and with an inclination of 70º, in combination with dental irrigator and chemical agents for Remove the biofilm. In the case of patients with heart disease it is transcendental to use a rinse with chlorhexidine prior to tooth brushing, as prophylaxis. If there is hyposalivation or xerostomia after 35 to 45 minutes of intake, the use of a gel is recommended due to its greater penetration coupled with a vibratory technique. If there is a presence of periodontal disease, the best option is the Bass technique. If you have a removable prosthesis, you have to prevent candidiasis and, if there is a presence of prostheses on implants, adapt to the design ”.
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