Poor oral health in older adults can result in malnutrition, swallowing problems, and behaviour changes due to pain. Of equal importance, poor oral health is increasingly associated with aspiration pneumonia, and comorbid medical conditions including diabetes, coronary heart risk, and rheumatoid arthritis, resulting in frequent unplanned hospitalisations and unexpected economic and personal costs. Urgent action is required for those who are already old and for ageing baby boomers who have retained their natural teeth but whose teeth are subject to decay and infections. This crisis needs innovative and evidence-based solutions that are implemented by teams to support dentists, particularly when dentists are not readily available. Speech pathologists, nutritionists, and pharmacists are three important members of such teams. Evidence-based solutions in which these allied health professionals can play an integral role include regular screening of oral function, nutrition, swallowing, medications, and quality of life, especially in residential aged care; implementing 2-minutes of teeth brushing after meals or cleaning dentures daily and removing them for sleep; facilitating increased independence in oral care and eating, reducing the use of multiple medications, and measuring the outcomes of these systematic interventions. Such allied health professionals can play a pivotal role in maintaining the oral and general health of older people whether they live in the community or in residential care.
History
Publication title
National Conference for Rural and Remote Allied Health Professionals
Department/School
School of Health Sciences
Event title
National Conference for Rural and Remote Allied Health Professionals