scholarly journals Common Medical and Dental Problems of Older Adults: A Narrative Review

Geriatrics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 76
Author(s):  
Alice Kit Ying Chan ◽  
Manisha Tamrakar ◽  
Chloe Meng Jiang ◽  
Edward Chin Man Lo ◽  
Katherine Chiu Man Leung ◽  
...  

The advancement of medicine has reduced the rate of mortality and older adult population is increasing. Among the 7,700,000,000 world population in 2019, 1 in 11 people were at the age of 65 or more. The population is expected to increase to 1 in 6 people by 2050. Older adults have degenerative changes that become more severe with age. This study used the World Health Organization’s websites and PubMed and Google Scholar databases to review current global oral and systemic health issues. Studies generally reported that many older adults have no regular dental checkup. Common oral diseases such as dental caries particularly root caries and periodontal disease are highly prevalent among them. These oral diseases are often interrelated with their systemic problems. A meta-analysis reported diabetes increases the incidence and progression of periodontitis by 86%. A decrease in salivary output is common among older adults having polypharmacy. A review reported the caries risk in older adults increases by 60% with low resting pH and low stimulated salivary flow rate. Many older adults suffer from dementia and depression which complicates the delivery of dental treatment. Proper oral hygiene practice and dental care at supine position are often difficult to be carried out if they have rheumatoid arthritis. With the increasing need of elderly dental care, dentists and other dental personnel should understand interlaced oral and general health in order to provide a successful dental care plan for older adults. The aim of this study is to give an overview of the common medical conditions and dental problems and their impacts on older adults.

2011 ◽  
Vol 58 (4) ◽  
pp. 202-208 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aleksandra Zuza ◽  
Igor Radovic ◽  
Jelena Krunic ◽  
Nikola Stojanovic

Introduction. Dental caries has been one of the oldest but still one of the most common oral diseases in humans. Even though it has been almost eradicated in developed countries due to increased fluoride use, adoption of proper oral hygiene habits and systematic implementation of preventive programs, caries remained one of leading oral diseases in developing countries. Epidemiological data about the prevalence of caries is very important for prediction of need for dental care, number of dental care providers as well as financial aspect. The aim of this study was to determine dental status and indicate dental treatment need in adults of the municipality of Foca, Republika Srpska (Bosnia and Herzegovina). Material and Methods. The study included 244 randomly selected residents (131 males and 113 females) from the municipality of Foca which were divided into three age groups: 20-29, 30-39 and 40-49 years. Dental status and need for dental treatment were determined in accordance to the criteria and methodology of the World Health Organization. Results. Mean value of DMFT index was 12.7 for the first age group, 16.4 for the second and 20.5 for the third age group of respondents. Dominant components in the first group were restored and carious teeth while in the third age group number of extracted teeth dominated. Also, in the third age group of respondents need for one and two or more surfaces fillings was significantly lower (p<0.01), but need for removable dentures was significantly higher (p<0.01) as compared to other two groups. Conclusion. These results indicated high value of DMFT index in adult population of the municipality of Foca.


2015 ◽  
Vol 63 (10) ◽  
pp. 2142-2151 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca H. Affoo ◽  
Norine Foley ◽  
Rushlee Garrick ◽  
Walter L. Siqueira ◽  
Ruth E. Martin

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 1025 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nansi López-Valverde ◽  
Jorge Muriel Fernández ◽  
Antonio López-Valverde ◽  
Luis F. Valero Juan ◽  
Juan Manuel Ramírez ◽  
...  

Background: Dental treatments often cause pain and anxiety in patients. Virtual reality (VR) is a novel procedure that can provide distraction during dental procedures or prepare patients to receive such type of treatments. This meta-analysis is the first to gather evidence on the effectiveness of VR on the reduction of pain (P) and dental anxiety (DA) in patients undergoing dental treatment, regardless of age. Methods: MEDLINE, CENTRAL, PubMed, EMBASE, Wiley Library and Web of Science were searched for scientific articles in November 2019. The keywords used were: “virtual reality”, “distraction systems”, “dental anxiety” and “pain”. Studies where VR was used for children and adults as a measure against anxiety and pain during dental treatments were included. VR was defined as a three-dimensional environment that provides patients with a sense of immersion, transporting them to appealing and interactive settings. Anxiety and pain results were assessed during dental treatments where VR was used, and in standard care situations. Results: 31 studies were identified, of which 14 met the inclusion criteria. Pain levels were evaluated in four studies (n = 4), anxiety levels in three (n = 3) and anxiety and pain together in seven (n = 7). Our meta-analysis was based on ten studies (n = 10). The effect of VR was studied mainly in the pediatric population (for pain SMD = −0.82). In the adult population, only two studies (not significant) were considered. Conclusions: The findings of the meta-analysis show that VR is an effective distraction method to reduce pain and anxiety in patients undergoing a variety of dental treatments; however, further research on VR as a tool to prepare patients for dental treatment is required because of the scarcity of studies in this area.


Author(s):  
Victoria V. Evstratenko ◽  
A. V Sevbitov ◽  
V. V Platonova

Drug addiction of any kind is a serious threat to patients' dental health too. It has been found out that patients, who are drug addicted, have a significantly higher frequency and severity of oral diseases: increase in frequency of caries and its complications, inflammatory-and-dystrophic diseases of periodontitis, pathologies of mucous tunic of mouth. We examined 197 persons who had drug addiction. The conducted research revealed that all 100% examined patients needed dental care; preparation of drug-addicted patients for a dental treatment must be conducted under control of narcologist, anesthesiologist and dentist.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tichawona Chinzowu ◽  
Sandipan Roy ◽  
Prasad S. Nishtala

Abstract Background Older adults (aged 65 years and above) constitute the fastest growing population cohort in the western world. There is increasing evidence that the burden of infections disproportionately affects older adults, and hence this vulnerable population is frequently exposed to antimicrobials. There is currently no systematic review summarising the evidence for organ injury risk among older adults following antimicrobial exposure. This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the relationship between antimicrobial exposure and organ injury in older adults. Methodology We searched for original research articles in PubMed, Embase.com, Web of Science core collection, Web of Science BIOSIS citation index, Scopus, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, ProQuest, and PsycINFO databases, using key words in titles and abstracts, and using MeSH terms. We searched for all available articles up to 31 May 2021. After removing duplicates, articles were screened for inclusion into or exclusion from the study by two reviewers. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale was used to assess the risk of bias for cohort and case-control studies. We explored the heterogeneity of the included studies using the Q test and I2 test and the publication bias using the funnel plot and Egger’s test. The meta-analyses were performed using the OpenMetaAnalyst software. Results The overall absolute risks of acute kidney injury among older adults prescribed aminoglycosides, glycopeptides, and macrolides were 15.1% (95% CI: 12.8–17.3), 19.1% (95% CI: 15.4–22.7), and 0.3% (95% CI: 0.3–0.3), respectively. Only 3 studies reported antimicrobial associated drug-induced liver injury. Studies reporting on the association of organ injury and antimicrobial exposure by age or duration of treatment were too few to meta-analyse. The funnel plot and Egger’s tests did not indicate evidence of publication bias. Conclusion Older adults have a significantly higher risk of sustaining acute kidney injury when compared to the general adult population. Older adults prescribed aminoglycosides have a similar risk of acute kidney injury to the general adult population.


2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Karolina Gerreth ◽  
Dorota Olczak-Kowalczyk ◽  
Maria Borysewicz-Lewicka

The problem of treatment of patients with special health needs resulting from the presence of deficits in intellectual, motor or sensory functions, also in dentistry, has not been comprehensively solved. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 15% of the world population has some form of disability. Patients with disabilities are considered to have greater dental treatment needs in comparison to healthy individuals. High incidence and intensity of dental caries as well as frequent gum diseases are observed in this environment. Often the situation is related, among other, to the presence of systemic diseases and the treatment used, limitations in shaping proper dental health behaviors, insufficient knowledge of parents about oral health or barriers in access to dental care. The development of recommendations for parents/caregivers as well as medical staff is required to improve the health of these patients and quality of their life. The document contains information on the etiology and epidemiology of dental caries in patients with disabilities but also prophylactic recommendations for this population of patients and their parents/caregivers and dentists.


2017 ◽  
Vol 29 (11) ◽  
pp. 1899-1907 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laxman Cetty ◽  
Edimansyah Abdin ◽  
Janhavi Ajit Vaingankar ◽  
Anitha Jeyagurunathan ◽  
Boon Yiang Chua ◽  
...  

ABSTRACTBackground:Older adults are among the most susceptible to sustain traumatic brain injury (TBI). The study aimed to determine the (1) prevalence of TBI among older adults in Singapore, and (2) socio-demographic, lifestyle, and clinical correlates of TBI.Methods:Data were extracted from the cross-sectional, Well-being of the Singapore Elderly (WiSE) study. The study included 2,565 participants aged 60 years and above (Mean = 72.75, SD = 9.54). Information on TBI, socio-demographic, and lifestyle factors were collected using participant self-report and verified with the informant report where necessary. Disability was measured using the World Health Organization – Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHO-DAS 2.0). Data were analyzed using logistic regression analysis.Results:The prevalence of TBI was 3.6%. Being female (vs. male) was found to be associated with decreased odds of having TBI. Having completed secondary education or lower (vs. tertiary education) was found to be associated with increased odds of having TBI. A history of fainting and diabetes were associated with the presence of TBI. Those with TBI were associated with higher disability scores on the WHO-DAS 2.0 than those without TBI.Conclusions:The current study provides information on the prevalence and associated factors of TBI in the older adult population in Singapore. Since TBI was associated with older adults with diabetes, they must be cautioned about fall risk. Also, given the association with disability, older adults with TBI are likely to require support and rehabilitative care to ensure good quality of life.


Author(s):  
Fabíola Bof de Andrade ◽  
Flávia Cristina Drumond Andrade

Abstract Background There is significant evidence of inequalities in the need for dental treatment, and their monitoring is essential for public health planning. Objective To measure the extent of the association between socioeconomic inequality and need for dental care. Method This study used data from the 2011 Survey of Oral Health Conditions, including a representative sample of adolescents (n=2,310) and adults (n=1,188) from the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Need for dental treatment was evaluated according to criteria of the World Health Organization (WHO). Family income was used as a measure of socioeconomic status. The magnitude of socioeconomic inequalities related to the need for treatment was assessed using the slope index of inequality (SII) and the relative index of inequality (RII). Results Among adolescents, the SII was -22.9% (95% CI -34.8; -11.0) and the estimated RII was 0.61 (95% CI 0.47; 0.79). Among adults, the SII was -28.0% (95% CI -39.8; -16.3) and the RII was 0.58 (95% CI 0.45; 0.74). Conclusion There are socioeconomic inequalities regarding the need for dental treatment, and individuals with lower family income present a higher prevalence of need.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 321-328
Author(s):  
Gabriella Souza Santos Félix ◽  
Maria da Conceição Andrade Freitas ◽  
Taylline Das Mercês Gonçalves ◽  
Dara Vit´oria Pereira Lopes Silva ◽  
Fernanda De Carvalho Reis ◽  
...  

Um aumento significativo de recém-nascidos com microcefalia ocorreu desde 2015 no Brasil. Este relato descreve ações extensionistas desenvolvidas pelos discentes do curso de Odontologia de uma universidade pública brasileira. De 2017 a 2019, efetuaram-se ações de prevenção de doenças e promoção de saúde bucal, acompanhamento do desenvolvimento dentário/craniofacial e tratamento odontológico em indivíduos com Microcefalia. Foram atendidas 17 crianças e 2 adolescentes. Referente a hábitos alimentares e higiene oral, observou-se dieta pastosa e noturna, ausência de escovação da língua e a dentária, apenas uma vez por dia. Na análise facial, desarmonia e comprometimento funcional orofacial. No exame intraoral, observou-se biofilme visível, interposição lingual anterior atípica, mastigação unilateral, bruxismo dentário e desenvolvimento dentário normal. Realizaram-se abordagens educativas de higiene oral aos familiares, atenciosos ao aprendizado. O atendimento odontológico ocorreu de acordo com as necessidades de risco de cárie, desgastes dentários e doença periodontal. Houve a promoção do conhecimento científico e os benefícios advindos do ensino, pesquisa e extensão destas ações proporcionaram um elo entre a comunidade acadêmica e a sociedade. Palavras-chave: Assistência Odontológica; Pessoas com Deficiências; Saúde Pública; Odontologia Promotion of oral health in individuals with microcephaly: Experience report Abstract: A significant increase in newborns with microcephaly has occurred since 2015 in Brazil. This report describes extension actions developed by students of the Dentistry course at a Brazilian public university. From 2017 to 2019, actions for preventing oral diseases, monitoring dental/craniofacial development, and dental treatment were made available to individuals with microcephaly by students of the Dentistry course at UESB. Seventeen children and two teenagers were attended. A pasty and nocturnal diet, absence of tongue, and dental brushing were observed only once a day regarding eating habits and oral hygiene. In facial analysis, disharmony and orofacial functional impairment. Visible biofilm, atypical anterior lingual interposition, unilateral chewing, dental bruxism, and normal tooth development were observed in the intraoral examination. Educational approaches on oral hygiene were carried out to family members, attentive to learning. The dental care was following the needs of risk of caries, dental wear, and periodontal disease. Scientific knowledge was promoted. The benefits arising from teaching, research, and the extension regarding these actions link the academic community and society. Keywords: Dental Care; People with disabilities;  Public Health; Dentistry


mBio ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shi Huang ◽  
Tao He ◽  
Feng Yue ◽  
Victor Xu ◽  
Spring Wang ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Most adults experience episodes of gingivitis, which can progress to the irreversible, chronic state of periodontitis, yet roles of plaque in gingivitis onset and progression to periodontitis remain elusive. Here, we longitudinally profiled the plaque metagenome, the plaque metabolome, and salivary cytokines in 40 adults who transited from naturally occurring gingivitis (NG) to healthy gingivae (baseline) and then to experimental gingivitis (EG). During EG, rapid and consistent alterations in plaque microbiota, metabolites, and salivary cytokines emerged as early as 24 to 72 h after oral-hygiene pause, defining an asymptomatic suboptimal health (SoH) stage of the gingivae. SoH features a swift, full activation of 11 salivary cytokines but a steep synergetic decrease of plaque-derived betaine and Rothia spp., suggesting an anti-gum inflammation mechanism by health-promoting symbionts. Global, cross-cohort meta-analysis revealed, at SoH, a greatly elevated microbiome-based periodontitis index driven by its convergence of both taxonomical and functional profiles toward the periodontitis microbiome. Finally, post-SoH gingivitis development accelerates oral microbiota aging by over 1 year within 28 days, with Rothia spp. depletion and Porphyromonas gingivalis elevation as hallmarks. Thus, the microbiome-defined, transient gum SoH stage is a crucial link among gingivitis, periodontitis, and aging. IMPORTANCE A significant portion of world population still fails to brush teeth daily. As a result, the majority of the global adult population is afflicted with chronic gingivitis, and if it is left untreated, some of them will eventually suffer from periodontitis. Here, we identified periodontitis-like microbiome dysbiosis in an asymptomatic SoH stage as early as 24 to 72 h after oral-hygiene pause. SoH features a swift, full activation of multiple salivary cytokines but a steep synergetic decrease of plaque-derived betaine and Rothia spp. The microbial ecology during early gingivitis is highly similar to that in periodontitis under both taxonomical and functional contexts. Unexpectedly, exposures to gingivitis can accelerate over 10-fold the normal rate of oral microbiota aging. Our findings underscore the importance of intervening at the SoH stage of gingivitis via proper oral-hygiene practices on a daily basis, so as to maintain a periodontitis-preventive plaque and ensure the healthy aging of the oral ecosystem.


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