Many oral conditions adversely affect a resident’s nutrition and general health status, and the mouth, in turn, reflects many systemic problems. Advanced periodontitis—fairly common in the elderly—-reduces the ability to chew, exacerbates problems in the control of types 1 and 2 diabetes, and has been found to be a risk factor in pneumonia, cardiovascular disorders, and stroke.
Loss and no replacement or inadequate replacement of missing teeth causes major nutritional difficulties. Smoking has been identified as a major risk factor for periodontitis, in addition to increasing susceptibility to oral cancer... The multiple medications taken by many long-term care patients are often the cause of xerostomia (dry mouth), and some cause gingival enlargement. Many of the effects of oral disease may be prevented or treated by appropriate measures when a long-term care facility provides the resources and staff training. |
Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the gingiva and supporting tissues. If untreated, it results in the progressive loss of bone support around the teeth, the opening of a separation (“pocket”) between gum and tooth, and increasing tooth mobility. One obvious effect of advanced periodontal disease is on nutrition. Patients with many loose teeth or missing teeth are often unable to chew any but the softest foods. They have a tendency to swallow mouthfuls of poorly chewed food rather than endure uncomfortable chewing. Such inadequate mastication may result in choking and sometimes in digestive problems. Other effects of periodontitis have become apparent. Evidence is accumulating that the presence of periodontal infections increases susceptibility to pneumonia and other lung conditions, cardiovascular disease, and stroke.
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