BookAnastassia Kossioni, editor.
Summary: This book provides basic knowledge and skills for non-dental healthcare practitioners, helping them recognize the importance of oral health, perform initial oral health assessments, consult dentists when necessary, and offer preventive advice and counseling. As people age, they tend to refrain from routine dental care, while the number of consultations with non-dental healthcare providers (physicians, nurses, pharmacists, physician assistants, physical therapists, occupational therapists etc.) increases. However, few healthcare providers are adequately trained to assess oral problems. The relevance of this book is underscored by the recently published European policy recommendations on oral health in older adults by the European College of Gerodontology and the European Geriatric Medicine Society, which highlight the importance of the active involvement of non-dental primary care practitioners in oral health assessment and promotion. These two respected European Societies have identified a significant gap in education, practice and health policies and described the necessary action plans. This book helps to fill the educational gap identified in the recommendations and will be an invaluable tool for all healthcare providers working with older people.
Contents:
Intro
Foreword
Preface
Contents
1: Introduction to Gerodontology: Demography, Epidemiology, and Access to Dental Care
1.1 The Demography of Ageing
1.2 Healthy Life Expectancy and Healthy Ageing
1.3 Oral Health: An Important Element of Healthy Ageing
1.4 Barriers and Enablers to Oral Health and Care in Old Age
1.4.1 Barriers to Oral Health
1.4.1.1 Personal Barriers
1.4.1.2 Lack of Professional Support
Dental Professionals
Non-dental Healthcare Professionals
1.4.1.3 Lack of Appropriate Health Policies and Legislations 1.4.2 Enablers to Oral Health Promotion in Older Adults
1.4.2.1 Gerodontology Education and Research
Education for Dental Professionals
Education for Non-dental Healthcare Professionals
Education for Formal Caregivers
Interprofessional Education and Collaborative Practice
Research and Development of Good Practice Guidelines for the Dental Management of Older People
1.4.2.2 Health Policy Actions
1.5 Conclusion
References
2: The Ageing Mouth
2.1 Introduction
2.2 Normal Anatomy and Physiologic Age-Related Changes in the Oro-Facial System
2.2.1 Teeth 2.2.2 Periodontium and Alveolar Bone
2.2.3 Oral Mucosa
2.2.4 Salivary Glands
2.2.5 Oral Function
2.3 Common Oral Diseases in the Elderly
2.3.1 Caries and Pulpitis
2.3.2 Gingivitis and Periodontitis
2.3.3 Replacement of Lost Teeth with Dental Prostheses
2.3.4 Pathologies of the Oral Mucosa
2.3.5 Xerostomia and Hyposalivation
2.3.6 Impairment of Oral Food Processing, Dysphagia
2.3.6.1 Oral Phase
2.3.6.2 Pharyngeal Phase
2.3.6.3 Evaluation of Oral Function
2.4 Conclusion
References
3: The Association Between Oral and General Health 3.1 Introduction
3.2 Association Between Oral Health and Pneumonia
3.3 Oral Health and Cardiovascular Disorders
3.4 Oral Health and Diabetes Mellitus (DM)
3.5 Oral Health and Dementia
3.6 Oral Health and Nutrition
3.7 Oral Health and Other Disorders
3.8 Oral Health and Frailty
3.9 Conclusion
References
4: Medications and Oral Health: Points to Consider in Older People
4.1 Polypharmacy and Medication-Related Problems in Older People
4.2 Medication-Related Oral Health Problems
4.2.1 Dry Mouth
4.2.2 Mucosal Lesions
4.2.3 Oral Lichen Planus 4.2.4 Taste Alteration-Dysgeusia
4.2.5 Angioedema
4.2.6 Gingival Enlargement
4.2.7 Altered Haemostasis
4.2.8 Altered Alveolar Bone
4.2.9 Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw
4.2.10 Oral Pigmentation
4.2.11 Points to Consider when Prescribing Medications in Older People
4.2.12 Approaches to Optimize Medication Use
4.2.13 Medication Reconciliation and Medication Review
4.2.14 Criteria to Assess Quality of Prescribing
4.2.14.1 Explicit Tools
4.2.14.2 Implicit Tools
4.2.15 Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) and Tailored Care
4.3 Conclusion