Good dental health is crucial for the general health and well-being of individuals. We should never ignore any issues related to the teeth or gums. Because poor dental health is linked to diseases like cardio-respiratory problems, cancer, and dementia etc. In this article, Steven Cavellier has given some oral health care plans for educating long-term patients.
A good oral health care plan involves more than just brushing your teeth. Actually, the oral health of long-term patients affects many aspects of their daily life. With an aging populace, we can see that hospital inpatient population is also getting older often with comorbidities and fences to effective health care.
As the patient get older, their comorbidities increases and also the number of medication that is essential to manage them. Some of these medicines can cause a bad oral effect such as dry mouth which is a key to plaque formation. Hence, the older patients are at risk of poor oral health before they become resident in the care facility.
What are the Barriers to Good Oral Care?
According to Steven Cavellier, the barrier to an effective dental care is that oral service providers do not have the resources in term of time and staff. Moreover, some of them also do not have the proper training to look after the oral health need of patients.
A few health care center specifically mention oral care in their policies and training for elder patients which focus on cleaning of dentures. However, old-age people today are far likely to maintain their natural teeth.
Along with this, there can also be resistance to dental health care for the patient.
The key points that act as barriers to older people utilizing oral care are:
- Cost of Dental Treatment.
- Fear of Treatment.
- Accessibility of dental services.
- Availability of dental services, etc.
Oral Health Assessment
It is essential that all the staff member have training and familiar with the standardized assessment. Steven Cavellier advice that assessment (gums and tissues, saliva, natural teeth, dentures, and cleanliness) carried out and recorded upon admission.
The dentists have to follow these assessments on a regular basis to ensure changes are scrutinized and treated within time. Creating an oral health care plan for all residents is a crucial step to ensure that good mouth care is upheld.
Developing a Dental Health Care Plan
A good oral health care plan enables documentation of findings of the valuation along with any obstacles to effectual hygiene. Barriers can include dementia, resistance to oral care, mobility issues and lack of awareness etc.
- Individualized Care: The oral hygiene plan of each resident shall be individualized based on his/her need and ability, written down, and reassessed periodically.
- Routine and Reminders: Routine and reminders in a daily placement of supplies will assure compliance for self-care residents.
- Proper Products and Tools: The proposal should outline the oral hygiene products to be used—e.g., toothpaste, toothbrushes, interdental brushes, mints, and mouthwash—based on the patient’s preferences and tastes.
- Participation of Patients: Engage patients in planning for themselves where feasible, with an attempt to foster a spirit of independence and co-operation.
- Interdisciplinary Coordination: Successful plans rely on cooperation between the care providers, dental staff, and families in an effort to facilitate continuity and consistency.
- Training and Education: Sufficient training of staff is essential in a move to provide uniform high levels of care and adaptability to shifting patient expectations.
Overcoming Barriers and Facilitating Compliance
In overcoming barriers, facilities should:
- Invest in Staff Training: Give carers the training and skills to provide effective oral care, including resistance management and adaptability in the event of cognitive or physical impairment.
- Have Supportive Policies: Oral care is incorporated as part of organizational policy, and there are concurred protocols and responsibilities.
- Monitor and Evaluate: Audits and feedback on a regular basis ensure compliance, and changes where required.
- Promote Access: Provide access to dental care providers for emergency visits and regular visits, and minimize cost barriers.
Wrapping Up
Implementing a plan to monitor compliance with dental health program for long-term patients is critical to get the desired result says, Steven Cavellier. Also, it is necessary to determine dental health status, treatment needs and identify the barriers to an effective oral care.
