Determinants for preventive oral health care need among community‐dwelling older people: a population‐based study

The aim was to study the determinants of preventive oral health care need among community‐dwelling old people. The study population consisted of 165 participants, a subpopulation in the Geriatric Multidisciplinary Strategy for Good Care of Elderly People (GeMS) study. Fifty‐five percent of the edentate participants with full dentures and 82% of the dentate had a need for preventive oral health care. In the total study population, the need for preventive care was associated with co‐morbidity (measured by means of the Modified Functional Co‐morbidity Index) odds ratios (OR) 1.2 (confidence intervals [CI] 1.0–1.5), being pre‐frail or frail, OR 2.5 (CI 1.2–5.1), presence of natural teeth, OR 4.8 (CI 2.2–10.4), and among dentate participants, the use of a removable partial denture, OR 12.8 (CI 1.4–114.4). Primary care clinicians should be aware of the high need for preventive care and the importance of nonoral conditions as determinants of preventive oral health care need.     

Long‐term effects of using oral care aides at a nursing home for elderly dependent residents—a pilot study

The oral health status of elderly dependent residents is reported to be poor, as well as difficult to describe. Analysis of oral microbial flora has been suggested as a suitable measurement method. Oral care aides have been shown to have a positive influence on oral health care in nursing. The outcome of an intervention with oral care aides was followed during a two‐year period by recording: (a) the proportion of opportunistic microorganisms and bacteria associated with caries (b) whether oral hygiene assistance were given to the residents or not, and (c) individual experiences concerning oral health care among the staff involved. The oral flora and the amount of oral hygiene assistance improved throughout the entire study period, but staff interviews revealed that it took two years for good cooperation and prophylactic routines to be established. An unexpected finding was the positive correlation (p = .0005) between a high proportion of the opportunistic microorganisms and death within one year.     

Dental erosion due to GERD in patients with developmental disabilities: case theory

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common finding among individuals in our society. Unfortunately, the condition is even more prevalent in individuals with developmental disabilities. There are significant comorbidities that can affect the upper gastrointestinal tract. Erosion of tooth surfaces may be the first comorbidity that is detected in individuals unable to express physical discomfort associated with GERD. The dentist should be aware of these findings and able to refer the patient for medical management. In addition, an awareness of preventive regimens and restorative options is essential in maintaining a healthy dentition for these individuals.     

Dental case manager encounters: the association with retention in dental care and treatment plan completion

Little is known about dental case managers as few programs have been scientifically evaluated. The goal of this study was to explore the impact of dental case manager on retention in dental care and completion of treatment plans, while specifically exploring the number of dental case manager encounters. Fourteen programs enrolled people with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in dental care and a longitudinal study between 2007 and 2009. The 758 participants had a total of 2715 encounters with a dental case manager over twelve months: 29% had a single encounter; 21% had two; 27% had 3–4 and; 23% had 5–29 encounters. Adjusting for baseline characteristics, participants receiving more encounters were significantly more likely to complete their Phase 1 treatment plan, be retained in dental care, and experience improvements in overall oral health status. Organizations considering efforts to improve the oral health of vulnerable, hard‐to‐engage populations should consider these findings when planning interventions.