Week 10 - Risk Factors Related to Oral Health Problems

Question 1

What does xerostomia, or dry mouth increase the risk of for oral health? (4)

Answer 1

• plaque build up and is a common problem
• dry, red mucosa, fissured tongue, dry cracked lips
• can result in build up of debris in mouth
• over 500 medications have this as an adverse effect

Question 2

What is xerostomia caused by?

Answer 2

decreased salivary flow

Question 3

What is periodontitis caused by? (4)

Answer 3

• severe gum infection
• caused by bacterial dental plaque
• hardens into tartar that promotes bacterial infection
• Build up happens w/ poor oral hygiene

Question 4

What are the individual risk factors for poor oral health? (4)

Answer 4

• smoking
• poor oral hygiene
• Stress
• Malnutrition

In lecture
- underlying immunodeficiency
- dentures that do not fit properly
- loose teeth, sensitive teeth, teeth pulling away from gums

Question 5

What are some interventions to reduce the risk for oral health problems? (6,8)

Answer 5

1. Regular oral exams
   - teeth cleaning
   - treatment of cavities
2. Education on hygiene
3. Fluoride in water
4. No smoking programs
5. Access to good nutrition
6. Fluoride treatments

Basically also have family or guardian responses and an oral health plan

Question 6

What does the OHAT measure? (8)

Answer 6

oral health assessment tool
- lips
- tongue
- Gums and tissue
- Saliva
- Natural teeth
- Dentures
- Oral Cleanliness
- Dental pain

Question 7

How should we inspect the oral cavity? (4)

Answer 7

1. Assess every 2 weeks
2. Use flashlight + tongue depressor
3. Document lumps, red or white patches, red swollen gums, broken teeth or food
4. Inspect ability to perform oral hygiene (might need referral to OT)

Question 8

How should we generally care for gums and teeth? (6)

Answer 8

• twice daily brush and floss
• Electric better than regular
• Soft bristles to prevent oral mucousal injury
• fluoride should be part of toothpaste
• clean between teeth
• Use nonalcoholic mouthwash once a day (Listerine)

Question 9

How should we care for dentures? (7)

Answer 9

1. Inflammation may occur if dentures are not cared for, so take out every night
2. Use denture toothpaste
3. Ose soft or denture toothbrush
4. Rinse after every meal
5. Clean once a day
6. Cleansing of gums
7. Tongue scraper

Question 10

How do dieticians help support oral health?

Answer 10

• optimizing diet

Question 11

How do SLPs optimize oral health? (2)

Answer 11

• exercising perioral swallowing and speech muscles
• food/fluid staging and denture care

Question 12

How do OTs optimize oral health? (2)

Answer 12

• optimal position on bed or chair
• Use of feeding tools