Improving Oral Health in Nursing Homes
10 deaths from pneumonia in elderly nursing home residents may be prevented by improving oral hygiene1.
Do you know someone that is house-bound or living in an aged care facility? Maybe someone with an intellectual disability that makes it difficult to be comfortable in strange surroundings? This is an important article that could make the world of difference to you.
ONE CUBIC MILLIMETRE OF PLAQUE ON YOUR TOOTH CAN HOLD AS MANY AS 10 BILLION MICROORGANISMS. GERMS FROM THE MOUTH ARE A LEADING CAUSE OF PNEUMONIA IN THE FRAIL AND ELDERLY. REGULAR EFFECTIVE ORAL HYGIENE IN THE ELDERLY CAN HELP PREVENT HOSPITALISATIONS. READ ON TO FIND OUT WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP THE ONES YOU LOVE.
Often it can be difficult for those in aged care facilities to attend the dentist for regular check ups and cleaning. Often it involves a family member having to take time from work to attend with them or there are mobility issues requiring suitable transport.
Poor oral health, particularly in the frail aged or bedridden, can lead to:
Heavy build up of bacteria on the teeth leading to tooth decay or loosening of the teeth due to gum disease,
Painful teeth which can impact on the pleasure taken in eating and socialising, and
The mouth bacteria can lead to a life threatening lung infection known as aspiration pneumonia. It is a leading cause of preventable hospital admissions in the elderly.
YOU NEED TO KNOW what you can do to ensure those you love the most do not fall victim to this problem.
When your loved one receives treatment from a dental professional who is attuned to the particular needs of the frail, aged or housebound, one who is passionate about assisting families care for their most vulnerable, you can be confident you are in the right hands.
We all want to live our lives free from pain, taking enjoyment from simple things like sharing meals, laughing confidently and being able to speak and socialise without pain or embarrassment, no matter how old we are.
AT PRESENT, THERE IS A CHRONIC LACK OF DENTAL SERVICES AVAILABLE TO PEOPLE WHO ARE HOUSEBOUND OR LIVING IN AGED CARE FACILITIES.
WE HAVE COMMITTED OURSELVES TO RIGHTING THAT WRONG!
We are proud to welcome “Dentist to your Door”, Dr Mark Wotherspoon, back to the Best St Dental family. Mark is passionate about working with those most in need and has spent two years researching and developing a service to bring to the Wagga community.
Watch a video of Mark talking about his new service.
Mark will visit you or your relative in their place of residence and the comfort of their own surroundings. He has specialised mobile equipment to carry out a comprehensive screening examination and provide oral hygiene measures without the need to come into the practice.
He is able to share with you different specialised toothbrushes and other products that can assist carers perform oral healthcare.
1 in 10 deaths from pneumonia in elderly nursing home residents may be prevented by improving oral hygiene (Sjogren et al. 2008).
If you know of anyone that this service could assist, then you will be glad to learn that you are only a phone call away from helping your loved one to a healthier more comfortable life
Simply call Best St Dental on 69215799
Watch a video or Mark talking about his new service by clicking the link