Special Care: Gerodontology

Question 1

What are the most common neurological diseases associated with the later years?

Answer 1

Stroke
Parkinson’s
Dementia

Question 2

What are the considerations for treating a person who has had a stroke?

Answer 2

Elective care should be deferred for 6 months
Support with preventative care
Advice tooth brushing adaptations
Advise clearing food from buccal sulcus.

Question 3

Why may a patient who has had a stroke develop root caries?

Answer 3

Xerostomia
Impaired OH
Decreased oral clearance
Dietary changes
Lack of fluoride

Question 4

What are the three cardinal signs of Parkinson’s?

Answer 4

Dyskinesia
Bradykinesia
Akinesia

Question 5

What are oral health conditions associated with Parkinson’s?

Answer 5

Xerostomia
Burning Mouth
Root Caries
Dysphagia

Question 6

How would you manage someone with Parkinson’s?

Answer 6

Communication
Appointments at individuals best time of day.
airway protection
OHI.
Diet advice
Keep the mouth moist

Question 7

What are the clinical features of dementia?

Answer 7

Memory loss
language deterioration
Impaired Visuo-spatial skills
Poor judgement
Indifferent attitude

Question 8

What may the oral status of someone with dementia be?

Answer 8

More dental plaque
Increased caries
Higher debris
Poor periodontal condition
Poor denture hygiene
More unrestorable teeth.

Question 9

How may someone who is cognitively in pain present with pain?

Answer 9

Refusal to eat
Constant pulling at the face.
Increased drooling
Leaving dentures out of the mouth
Increased restlessness
Moaning
Disturbed sleep
Refusal to co-operate
Self inflicted injuries
Aggressive behaviour

Question 10

What are the signs of elder abuse?

Answer 10

Rashes/sores
Inadequately clothed
Poor personal hygiene
Cuts and lacerations
Broken glasses
Withdrawn
Confusion
Unexplained fear

Question 11

What are common aged related musculoskeletal illnesses?

Answer 11

Osteoporosis
Osteoarthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis
Acute infectious arthritis
Muscle pain

Question 12

What are aged related nervous system illnesses?

Answer 12

Trigeminal neuralgia
Glossopharyngeal neuralgia
Migrainous neuralgia
Facial weakness
Parkinson’s
Dementia
Hearing loss
Tinnitus
Vertigo
Epistaxis
Dysphonia

Question 13

What are common illnesses associated with the endocrine system?

Answer 13

Hypothyroidism
Hyperthyroidism
Diabetes
Menopause

Question 14

What are common age related cardiovascular illnesses?

Answer 14

Arteriosclerosis
Ischaemic heart disease
Hypertension
Postural Hypotension
Cardiac arrest
Temporal arteritis
Anaemia
Coagulation disorders

Question 15

What are common age related urinary system diseaes?

Answer 15

Incontinence
UTIs
Chronic kidney disease

Question 16

What are common oral mucosal findings in the elderly?

Answer 16

Lingual varices
Denture Stomatitis
Denture related hyperplasia
Angular cheilitis
Traumatic ulcers

Question 17

What are communication considerations to be made for the elderly?

Answer 17

Allow extra time
Avoid distractions
Sit face to face
maintain eye contact
Listen
Speak clearly
Use short and simple words
Write down instructions
Use models
Summarise frequently
Give opportunities for questions

Question 18

What are treatment consideration to be made for the elderly?

Answer 18

Appointment scheduling
Health history
Understanding of the information
Preventative care
Appropriate treatment
Training

Question 19

What are the key principles of adult safeguarding?

Answer 19

Empowerment
Prevention
Proportionality
Protection
Partnership
Accountability