clinical focus
hygiene, there is a much higher risk and
incidence of dental decay and oral disease
in the aged and elderly.
How to detect dry mouth
When it comes to dry mouth, early
detection is paramount in order to help
avoid some of the significant quality of life
issues it can cause.
Regardless of living circumstances,
family members and carers should be
aware of how to identify low saliva and its
consequences.
The easiest way to identify dry mouth is
to simply ask questions like:
• Does your mouth feel dry?
• Do you have difficulty in chewing or
swallowing food?
• Do you have trouble wearing dentures?
• Have you noticed any decrease in taste
sensation?
• Do you need to sip or drink to help
swallow your food?
The World Health Organization’s
International Classification of
Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) is
a tool that can be used by staff and carers
in residential care situations. The ICF
checklist can assist in identifying chewing,
eating, swallowing, and speech issues. It
can also assist with determining oral pain
or weight loss and a level of self-care
ability.
For those in high care, where
Oral health is
an important factor
of general health and
quality of life
communication can be difficult or limited,
identifying symptoms can be the only
method of early detection for dry mouth.
Symptoms to look out for can include:
• dry, cracked, raw inflamed tongue
and / or lips
• refusal to eat
• choking on food
• inability to swallow
• food pooling in the mouth.
Ideally, regular checks by an oral
health professional are recommended
to ensure these individuals are monitored.
For the aged and elderly, maintaining
adequate oral health is vital to ensure
an ability to smile, talk, eat, socialise and
function at a level synonymous with a
happy and dignified lifestyle. Whilst these
levels are subjective, it is important for
family and carers living and working with
the aged and elderly to support a basic
level of oral health and functionality. ■
Jo Purssey is an Oral Health Therapist
who has worked in private general dental
practice throughout her career. Jo is also
a founding member of the Oral Health
Advisory Panel.
The Oral Health Advisory Panel (OHAP),
is a group of independent healthcare
professionals with the aim of raising
awareness of the importance of good
oral health and its impact on general
wellness. The Panel aims to take oral
health beyond the dental clinic.
SUBSCRIBE FOR LESS
THAN $2 A WEEK
THE LATEST NEWS AND RESOURCES FOR
HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS
Nursing Review is essential reading for
anyone involved in the healthcare sector in
Australia. It provides unrivalled coverage of
specialist topics from features and opinion
pieces, to international news and profiles.
• Latest news and resources for all health
care professionals
• Comprehensive coverage of a diversity
of topics
• Analysis of the major issues facing the
health sector as a whole
• Delivered free of charge
• 6 issues per year
• Only publication in the country dedicated
to reporting issues important to nurses
Please call 02 9936 8666 or email [email protected] to find out more.
agedcareinsite.com.au 29