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Oral Health Assessment in Primary and Institutional Care

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Gerodontology Essentials for Health Care Professionals

Part of the book series: Practical Issues in Geriatrics ((PIG))

Abstract

Gradual improvement in the prevention and treatment of oral diseases lead to the current and future older adults being likely to keeping all, or at least most teeth for life. However, age-related risk factors render elder persons more susceptible for rapid oral health deterioration, and consequently they often present worse oral health compared to younger cohorts. Due to limited income, reduced mobility and a shift in priorities, many older adults have irregular access to oral healthcare and a lower uptake of dental services. Yet, preserving oral health and a functional dentition is important for the general well-being. Beyond just preventing local pain, maintaining appropriate oral health reduces the risk of infection and oral bacteria spreading to other organs, helps keeping adequate nutritional intake, and maintains the appearance, thus fostering social interaction. Frequent oral health examinations allow for prevention, and if necessary early intervention, especially for oral cancer. As older patients consult with primary care providers more often than with dentists, it is strategic for primary care providers to understand the importance of oral health for the well-being of older adults and systematically screen for oral health problems during patients interviews and physical examinations. This chapter describes how primary care providers can perform quick and efficient oral health screenings for their patients, leading to a decision about when a patient needs to be referred to a dentist.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Gerodontology and Removable Prosthodontics, University Clinics of Dental Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland

    Frauke Müller

  2. Department of Preventive and Community Dentistry, University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics, Iowa City, IA, USA

    Leonardo Marchini

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  1. Frauke Müller
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  2. Leonardo Marchini
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Correspondence to Leonardo Marchini .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. School of Dentistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece

    Anastassia Kossioni

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Müller, F., Marchini, L. (2020). Oral Health Assessment in Primary and Institutional Care. In: Kossioni, A. (eds) Gerodontology Essentials for Health Care Professionals. Practical Issues in Geriatrics. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-41468-9_7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-41468-9_7

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-030-41467-2

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-030-41468-9

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