Huynh, A., Stier K., Benvenuto V., (2020). Maintaining Oral Health in Older Adults.

Dimensions of Dental Hygiene.

Https://dimensionsofdentalhygiene.com/article/maintaining-oral-health-in-older-adults/

Maintaining Oral Health in Older Adults Review

This article talked about the increase of caries risk in older adults. As adults age they face

new a lot of new challenges; xerostomia is noticed with more medication intake and their side

effects, there’s also systemic effects with xerostomia with autoimmune diseases such as

rheumatoid arthritis and Sjogren syndrome. Older adults also have an increased caries risk with

their nutrition, as their taste and smell diminish they often add more sugar or salt- both

cariogenic. In adults with malnutrition or digestive issues a solution is dietary supplements or

shakes and both often contain high sugar and acid content. Older adults also face challenges with

dexterity and access to care when dental insurance isn’t offered. Older patients can help maintain

their oral health by individualized self-care instructions, fluoride treatments, glass ionomer

application when needed, and recommendations of products that stimulate saliva flow.

A- This affects me as a dental hygiene student because in clinic when I see older patients

come in with a lot of oral issues I need to learn to keep in mind all the challenges they

face as they get older instead of just assuming their homecare is bad. I can help educate

them on how to combat their oral issues.

B- I learned a lot from this article in how it put into perspective what older patients face. I

learned a lot about how as adults get older and their medical issues get more complex, a

lot of the times their dental issues get pushed to the side when they try to prioritize care,
 especially on a fixed income. I learned a lot of preventive measures they can take like

lozenges, fluoride, and SDF.

C- I will use this information as a future hygienist because a lot of the patients I’ll see will

be elderly and I need to be a resource for them on their oral health.

D- This relates to what I’ve already had to do in clinic when I talk about the importance of

sulcular brushing, diet consideration, and the importance of fluoride.