Title

The Importance of Oral Health in Long-Term Care

Authors

Authors

M. S. Haumschild;R. J. Haumschild

Comments

Authors: contact us about adding a copy of your work at STARS@ucf.edu

Abbreviated Journal Title

J. Am. Med. Dir. Assoc.

Keywords

Oral to systemic health; oral to systemic disease; oral-systemic; disease; oral-systemic health; dental care in long-term care; dental; health care in nursing homes; oral care in nursing homes; NURSING-HOMES; PNEUMONIA; Geriatrics & Gerontology

Abstract

Emerging evidence has shown a strong link between the effects of chronic oral inflammation and general health. The mouth is the visible gateway to the rest of the body and reflects what is happening deep inside. Periodontal disease has been linked to systemic disease; likewise, systemic disease can have an impact on oral health. In fact, there are over 100 systemic diseases that have oral manifestations, such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, respiratory infections, pancreatic cancer, diabetes, and nutritional problems. This is a bidirectional relationship and the link is inflammation. Oral health problems can have an adverse effect on the quality of life and are more prevalent in older adults, but are not caused by aging. Approximately 75% of baby boomers will enter long-term care facilities with the majority of their natural teeth and this trend is expected to continue. Studies indicate that residents with good oral care require less health care dollar expenditures. Therefore, dental professionals, Such as the dental hygienist, should be part of the multidisciplinary team to assist in providing expert regular dental care and training to caregivers and other health care professionals in long-term care facilities. (J Am Med Dir Assoc 2009; 10:667-671)

Journal Title

Journal of the American Medical Directors Association

Volume

10

Issue/Number

9

Publication Date

1-1-2009

Document Type

Article

Language

English

First Page

667

Last Page

671

WOS Identifier

WOS:000272150400015

ISSN

1525-8610

Share

COinS