Low quality of life
Beyond the risk of systemic disease, poor oral hygiene directly impacts quality of life. Without regular oral care, older adults may endure chronic pain, difficulty eating, and social isolation. Oral infections, loose teeth, and inflamed gums can make simple activities such as eating, talking, and smiling difficult and painful. By addressing these issues, we’re not only saving lives, but also giving elderly people the dignity and comfort they deserve.
The solution
For those of us who are committed to prevention, Dying from Dirty Teeth provides a roadmap. Hygienists are ideally positioned to tackle this problem head-on. Laws have changed and continue to change in our favor. Many states now allow dental hygienists to provide preventive services in nontraditional settings, either independently or through collaborative agreements with dentists. This opens doors for us to reach elderly patients directly in residential facilities.
While dental offices aren’t always equipped to see patients with special needs, we can become prepared. Stone emphasizes the importance of training ourselves in transfer techniques, becoming memory care certified, and adapting our communication to support elderly patients with cognitive issues.
Partnering with the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) workforce is another key step. CNAs are with residents daily, yet the majority lack training in oral care. By implementing training programs in these facilities, we can equip CNAs to provide better daily oral care for their elderly patients.
Such programs should cover the link between oral and systemic health, the basics of infection control, and hands-on techniques for safely caring for seniors’ oral health. Helpful topics include how to position residents for brushing, gentle techniques to avoid causing discomfort, xylitol, and the proper use of toothettes for patients who struggle with traditional brushing.
A call to action
Hygienists, you are desperately needed. Your expertise and passion for oral health uniquely qualify you to take on this challenge. Elderly patients are vulnerable, and their oral care needs are not being met. Dying from Dirty Teeth doesn’t just outline a problem—it presents a solution we can implement right now.
We have the power to help the elderly population live their final years in health, dignity, and comfort. Our community has this rare opportunity to address a massive problem with real solutions, and it’s our responsibility as health-care professionals to resolve it.
Reference
- Stone A. Dying from Dirty Teeth. Why the Lack of Proper Oral Care Is Killing Nursing Home Residents and How to Prevent It. Indie Books International. March 6, 2015.
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