Oral health

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As we age, it is especially important to be aware of the conditions that can affect oral health. Maintaining good oral care is important for healthy aging. Regular check-ups with your dentist certainly help!

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21 Show All 2Blog Posts 3Evidence Summaries 16Web Resource Ratings 0Patient Decision Aids

Evidence Summary

Strategies to promote oral health improve knowledge but not necessarily the oral health of people living in long-term care facilities
International Journal of Nursing Studies (2013)
Web Resource Rating

Oral allergy syndrome
UpToDate - patient information

Oral allergy syndrome is a type of food allergy caused by uncooked fruits, raw vegetables and nuts. The most common symptom is itching of the mouth and throat. In most cases avoiding the foods that cause symptoms is the best treatment.
Web Resource Rating

Screening for oral cancer: Consumer fact sheet
U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF)

There is not enough evidence to know if the benefits of oral cancer screening outweigh the harms for people without symptoms. Reduce your risk of oral cancer: don't smoke and drink alcohol only in moderation. See a doctor if you have unusual lumps or bumps in your mouth or on your lips.
Web Resource Rating

Oral cryotherapy: Preventing mouth soreness and ulcers in people having cancer treatments
Evidently Cochrane

Oral cryotherapy means keeping the mouth cold with ice, iced water or iced foods. This approach can safely help prevent mouth soreness and ulcers in people having cancer treatments.
Web Resource Rating

The evidence on flossing
Evidence-based Living

Brush and floss teeth regularly to help prevent gum disease. More good quality research is needed on the benefits of flossing, and whether it helps prevent tooth decay and plaque.
Evidence Summary

Oral health education programs for caregivers of older adults lead to improved oral health outcomes in elderly patients
International Journal of Nursing Studies (2015)
Web Resource Rating

I frequently have a dry mouth. What can I do to relieve this problem?
Mayo Clinic

Some tips for temporary relief of dry mouth: chew sugar-free gum, limit caffeine intake, use a humidifier and sip water (more ideas in this resource). The best way to treat dry mouth in the long-term is to address the cause.
Web Resource Rating

Bruxism (teeth grinding)
Mayo Clinic

Tooth sensitivity or a sore jaw can be symptoms of teeth grinding. Reduce stress, avoid caffeine and schedule regular dental appointments to help prevent teeth grinding.
Web Resource Rating

Oral hygiene
Patient.co.uk

Brush teeth at least 2 times a day using a soft brush and toothpaste with fluoride for 2 minutes. Replace the brush every 3-4 months. Brush teeth before eating or at least an half hour after eating. Clean in between teeth at least once a day.
Web Resource Rating

Dental plaque and gum disease
Patient.co.uk

Plaque build-up and gum disease can be prevented with good oral hygiene. Brush your teeth for at least two minutes twice a day, and clean between your teeth.
Web Resource Rating

Antibiotics before the dentist
Berkeley Wellness

Doctors may recommend taking antibiotics before going to the dentist to prevent endocarditis (a heart infection), although the risk is low for most people. Very few people should take antibiotics before the dentist.
Web Resource Rating

Burning mouth syndrome
Mayo Clinic

Burning mouth can be uncomfortable and make it difficult to eat or fall asleep. Drink plenty of water and suck on ice, avoid acidic or spicy foods, smoking, alcohol and carbonated drinks and manage your stress.
Web Resource Rating

Oral health: A window to your overall health
Mayo Clinic

Poor oral health may contribute to other more serious illnesses, such as heart disease. Practice good oral hygiene with daily brushing and flossing. Visit your dentist for regular checkups.
Web Resource Rating

Does whitening toothpaste actually whiten teeth?
Mayo Clinic

Whitening toothpaste is useful to remove surface stains on teeth. However, it cannot change the natural colour of your teeth or deep stains. Choose toothpaste approved by a well-known organization.
Web Resource Rating

5 Bad breath remedies
HealthLine

There are several options available to help get rid of bad breath. Clean your tongue, drink green tea, chew gum, take K12 supplements and swish with oil. More details in this resource.
Web Resource Rating

Denture care: How do I clean dentures?
Mayo Clinic

To keep your dentures clean, rinse them after eating, soak them overnight and clean them with denture cleaner at least once a day. Don’t use whitening toothpaste, hot water or bleaches. Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups.
Web Resource Rating

Bad breath
Mayo Clinic

Keep your mouth clean, moist, and avoid a sugary diet to prevent bad breath. Change your toothbrush and get dental checkup regularly. More in this resource about causes, symptoms and treatments for bad breath.
Web Resource Rating

Gum disease
NHS Choices

See your dentist if your gums are painful, swollen or if they bleed when you brush your teeth. Untreated gum disease can lead to serious complications.
Blog Post

Why don't you keep up your smile?

More seniors are keeping their natural teeth longer and have increased oral health care needs. It is important to start planning early for many aspects of your retirement, including your oral health.
Evidence Summary

Educating nursing staff about how to provide oral care is promising to improve oral hygiene among older adults in long-term care and those requiring an extended hospital stay

Research in Gerontological Nursing (2014)
Blog Post

Brushing teeth can save lives! The quality of oral health among seniors points to neglect and shows we need to 'brush up' on mouth care

The importance of brushing your teeth is highly under-rated. In fact not brushing your teeth or maintaining good oral hygiene puts you at risk for serious health complications. This may be the case in some long term care homes where neglect of oral health may be a form of elder abuse.

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