AMA024 VICDOC March 2021 FA Print - Flipbook - Page 43
Approximately one quarter of
Australians aged 75 years or older
only visit the dentist once every
two or more years, generally for
treatment of a problem rather than
preventive treatment. Nearly half of
Australians aged 85 years and older
have not seen a dental professional
in the past two years.
communicating the cause of oral
dryness to patients is important in
establishing strategies to mitigate
the effects and to improve quality
of life for the elderly.
Systemic autoimmune diseases
such as Sjogren’s syndrome
and/or medications (especially
polypharmacy) are a frequent
cause of hyposalivation in older
adults. Mitigation strategies may
include review and adjustment
of medications by the general
practitioner or referral to a
dental practitioner for regular
preventive care and management
of symptoms.
ORAL HEALTHCARE ACCESS
Access to oral healthcare is
associated with an improvement
in quality of life. However,
many older Australians
experience irregular dental care.
Approximately one quarter of
Australians aged 75 years or older
only visit the dentist once every
two or more years, generally for
treatment of a problem rather
than preventive treatment. Nearly
half of Australians aged 85 years
and older have not seen a dental
professional in the past two years.
As we increase in age, dental
restorations (fillings/crowns)
and the periodontium are more
prone to deterioration and require
regular maintenance with a dental
practitioner as well as excellent
home care. Elderly individuals
with dementia or impaired
dexterity can find oral hygiene
challenging, and professional
dental care can be irregular if
access is dependent on others.
Oral hygiene routines must be
tailored to the individual taking
into consideration physical or
cognitive impairments, and this
usually necessitates the guidance
of a dental practitioner.
Poor oral health may present
to a general practitioner not
only as a physical symptom or
sign, but instead as a change in
behaviour or routine, reported
by an older patient, carer or
family member. As highly trusted
individuals involved in caring
for older Australians, doctors
have an opportunity to screen for
oral disease risk factors, as well
as detect signs of deteriorating
quality of life resulting from oral
disease impacts. Encouraging
elderly individuals to seek dental
care and maintenance where
possible is essential to support
their oral and general health.
Click here to access consumer
information on ageing and oral
health to pass on to your patients.
PULSE
A quarter of
Australians
aged 75 years
and over have
untreated
tooth decay.
It has been
suggested
that poor oral
hygiene and
periodontal
disease may
lead to an
increased
severity of
COVID-19
infection.
Click for more
information
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