The Importance of Oral Health in Long-Term Care

    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

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