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This study aimed to determine the time elapsed since the last dental care visit and its associated factors among older adults in Peru from 2019 to 2021. This was an analytical cross-sectional study utilizing secondary data analysis. The population comprised 210,862 records of older adults from 2019 to 2021, with a final sample of 11,215 records. The dependent variable was the time elapsed since the last dental care visit, while the independent variable was the year, with population characteristics included as covariates. Both bivariate and multivariate analyses were employed. The mean time elapsed since the last dental care visit was 7.93 years (SD = 8.03) in 2019, 7.93 years (SD = 7.28) in 2020, and 7.76 years (SD = 8.01) in 2021, with non-statistically significant difference between medians (p =.050). Hierarchical multiple linear regression analysis indicated that a model incorporating year, health, geographic, and socio-demographic characteristics demonstrated a greater determination coefficient (R 2% =.90) and validity (p <.001). The mean time elapsed since the last dental care visit among older adults in Peru was 7.93 years in both 2019 and 2020, and 7.76 years in 2021; geographic characteristics, wealth index, and age were identified as associated factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: This study aims to assess the concordance between in‐person clinical and virtual oral examinations among hospitalized older adults. Methods: A single examiner performed an in‐person clinical examination, recorded systemic health history and oral health indices, clinically documented the Bedside Oral Exam (BOE), and captured photographs for subsequent analysis during a virtual examination. Following a 90‐day washout period, a virtual examination was repeated by the same examiner and by a second examiner. Descriptive analysis and a Kappa test were used to compare proportions and evaluate the agreement between results. Results: Intra‐examiners presented high percentage of agreement in all domains of BOE (80%–86%), with an exception for gingiva (78%). Kappa's intra‐examiners presented moderate scores in saliva, mucous membrane, gingiva and teeth/dentures domains and a strong score in the tongue domain (0.839). Inter examiners presented moderate agreement in lips and gingiva, saliva, mucous membrane, and teeth/dentures domains. Inter examiners Kappa scores were weak for lips (0.395) and gingiva (0.498) domains; moderate for saliva (0.703), mucous membrane (0.769) and teeth/dentures (0.714) domains and strong for the tongue domain (0.872). Conclusion: In this study, a moderate level of agreement was observed between clinical and virtual oral examinations among older hospitalized patients. These findings are encouraging and warrant further investigation about how teledentistry can be used to enhance oral health access to this vulnerable population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The oral health status of older adults in the United States is a public health crisis and a silent epidemic. Maine's Oral Team‐Based Initiative Vital Access to Education (MOTIVATE) Program is an innovative interprofessional oral health program aimed at enhancing oral health education and practice of interprofessional health care teams in nursing homes. Using a blended learning model, a combination of in‐person and online learning, this program provides a foundation from which to implement evidenced based oral care in nursing homes. Methods: Learning outcomes were assessed via a three‐part timed series survey. A set of self‐report assessment items measured skills implemented at baseline and post‐training. Results: Learning domain scores increased over time from baseline to post‐training. Confidence in providing oral healthcare and role clarity in providing oral health care improved over time. Staff identified using new skills in daily oral care and communication across the interprofessional team. Discussion: The MOTIVATE program is an effective collaborative‐based model for developing oral health competencies and promoting evidence‐based oral health care in nursing homes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Complete tooth loss is a significant global oral health issue, particularly impacting older individuals with lower socioeconomic status. Computer-assisted technologies enhance oral healthcare access by the elderly. Despite promising in vitro reports on digital denture materials, evidence from randomized clinical trials (RCTs) is lacking to verify their performance. This cross-over RCT will investigate whether 3D-printed implant-retained mandibular overdentures (IMO) are more satisfactory for edentulous seniors than those made through traditional methods. Methods/design We will recruit 26 completely edentulous participants (any sex/gender) based on the following eligibility criteria: age ≥ 60 years, no tooth extraction in the past 12 months, two implants in the lower jaw, and need for new dentures in both jaws. Each participant will receive two denture pairs, either manufactured by 3D printing or traditionally, to be worn in a random order. A timeline of 3 months with each denture pair will be considered for outcome assessment (total: 6 months). Patient satisfaction with dentures will be measured by the McGill Denture Satisfaction Questionnaire. We will evaluate other patient-reported outcomes (including oral health-related quality of life) as well as clinician-assessed quality and cost. At the end of the trial, participants will choose which denture pair they wish to keep and interviewed about their experiences with the 3D-printed IMO. The quantitative and qualitative data will be incorporated through an explanatory mixed-methods strategy. A final quantitative assessment will happen after 12 months with the preferred IMO to assess the long-term performance and maintenance needs. Discussion This mixed-methods RCT will explore patient experiences with 3D-printed IMOs, aiming to assess the potential for altering clinical practice and dental public health policies. Our results will inform policies by showing whether 3D printing offers comparable outcomes at lower costs, facilitating greater access to oral care for the elderly. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT06155630, Registered on 04 December 2023. https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT06155630

Objectives: Oral healthcare service is not well integrated with existing healthcare policy in nursing homes (NHs) globally. This qualitative study aimed to identify dentists' perspectives on structural and system barriers that hinder oral healthcare (OHC) provision to seniors in NHs in Singapore and to understand the consequences of these barriers. Methods: Nineteen dentists (8 males and 11 females, 36.0 [IQR: 32.0–48.5] years old) were recruited through combination of purposive and snowball sampling. Four focus group discussions were conducted via teleconferencing, and each discussion had 4–5 anonymised participants. Sessions lasted 90–120 min and were audio‐recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was conducted on data collected using NVivo software (Version12, QRS International). Results: Participants agreed that the current OHC system for seniors in NHs is not well developed. The challenges dentists faced were categorised in three themes: [1] general oral healthcare system level; [2] local nursing home setting level; and [3] geriatric oral healthcare education level. These challenges are complexly intertwined and have contributed to several consequences such as a shortage of dentists in NHs and their diminished motivation to serve. It has also limited the quality of dental service they are able to provide in NHs, contributing to the current poor access of dental services for seniors in NHs. Conclusions: Dentists in Singapore face many structural and systemic barriers in providing OHC to seniors in NHs, some of which are unique to the local context. Newfound understanding of these barriers and its consequences will be helpful in developing strategic approaches to overcome these challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oral health of the older population has long been overlooked in global healthcare agenda. Limited access to oral healthcare for dependent older adults results in poor oral health, negatively impacting their quality of life, nutrition and overall well‐being. Especially for nations experiencing rapid ageing population, efforts must be urgently made to integrate oral healthcare services into the current healthcare system and policy. Singapore stands out as one of the most rapidly ageing nations in Southeast Asia, achieving remarkable progress in the healthcare field, as well as advancements in social modernization and economic growth. It now faces the growing burden of the dependent older population and is required to respond to the complex challenges associated with providing holistic eldercare services and ensuring the well‐being of its ageing population. This narrative review offers an overview of Singapore's current healthcare policy and system development for the older population, with a specific focus on oral healthcare. The goal is to shed light on this underexplored area, highlighting the challenges that need to be tackled to improve the accessibility of oral health services for dependent older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of the study was to assess older people's preferences and expectations for preventive oral care in their own home. Background: With increasing age, the use of dental services declines and oral health becomes secondary, yet good oral health contributes to quality of life and has a positive impact on general health. Thus, the healthcare system should offer a care structure in which oral health can be maintained into old age. To provide patient‐centred care, patient preferences in additional preventive oral care need to be explored. Materials and Methods: In this qualitative study, semi‐structured interviews were conducted with community‐dwelling individuals aged ≥65 years to understand their preferences and expectations for oral care in a home‐based setting. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically. Results: Fourteen dental patients were included. Three overarching themes were identified. The desire for independence was predominant when addressing their future capability to perform oral hygiene. When addressing possible future oral health support, self‐determination and independence were important to them. Concerns about dependency in inpatient care facilities and the associated reduction in oral care were evident. Frequency, costs and the practice environment played a decisive role when thinking about additional preventive measures for their future. Conclusion: The results of this study provide important information about older people's preferences and expectations for preventive oral care in the home environment and relate to three core themes of (1) changes in oral hygiene skills and perceptions, (2) support and (3) organisational factors. These must be considered when planning and implementing preventive oral care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Good oral health is an important part of healthy ageing, yet there is limited understanding regarding the status of oral health care for older people globally. This study reviewed evidence (policies, programs, and interventions) regarding oral health care for older people. Methods A systematic search of six databases for published and grey literature in the English language by the end of April 2022 was undertaken utilising Arksey and O’Malley’s scoping review framework. Results The findings from oral health policy documents (n = 17) indicated a lack of priorities in national health policies regarding oral health care for older people. The most common oral health interventions reported in the published studies (n = 62) included educational sessions and practical demonstrations on oral care for older adults, nurses, and care providers. Other interventions included exercises of facial muscles and the tongue, massage of salivary glands, and application of chemical agents, such as topical fluoride. Conclusion There is currently a gap in information and research around effective oral health care treatments and programs in geriatric dental care. Efforts must be invested in developing guidelines to assist both dental and medical healthcare professionals in integrating good oral health as part of healthy ageing. Further research is warranted in assessing the effectiveness of interventions in improving the oral health status of the elderly and informing approaches to assist the integration of oral health into geriatric care.

Objectives: To address the following research questions: (i) What is the current situation and future vision on oral healthcare service in nursing homes (NHs) in Singapore? (ii) What are the enablers to achieve the future vision? (iii) How do views differ between dentists with and without clinical experiences in NHs? Background: Oral healthcare services in NHs need to reflect the perspectives of a diverse range of stakeholders and establish shared goals, however there is scarce evidence of in‐depth dentists' insights. Material and methods: Dentists were purposively recruited. Focus group discussions with 4–5 participants each were conducted via teleconferencing. Data were analysed thematically. Results: The participants (n = 19, median 36.0 years) recognised the need of comprehensive reform of the oral healthcare paradigm in NHs: symptomatic care to preventive care, disease‐oriented care to person‐centred care and more active collaborative care. Overall, five domains of enabling factors emerged: (1) to improve general system of oral healthcare in NHs, (2) to increase the number of dentists engaging in NHs, (3) to improve the quality of dental practice, (4) to improve the quality of daily oral care and (5) to promote seniors' cooperative attitude to oral healthcare. There was a noticeable difference in the perception on how to encourage dentists to serve in NHs. Conclusion: There is a need for a comprehensive reform of the oral healthcare paradigm for seniors in NHs in Singapore. A multi‐tiered strategy using both top‐down and bottom‐up approaches is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the unstimulated salivary flow, pH, and buffering capacity and their associations with systemic conditions and medication use in independently living aged. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 72 participants with a minimum of 60 years recruited in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. A questionnaire was used to collect age, sex, presence of systemic diseases, and medications in continuous use. Salivary data collection was performed to determine unstimulated salivary flow, pH, and buffering capacity. Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate analyses were performed (p<0.05). Results: Most of the sample had at least one systemic disease (81.9%) and used at least one medication (79.2%). Female participants (p=0.01), those with five or more systemic diseases (p<0.01), and hypertension (p=0.04) had reduced salivary flow. Participants with systemic diseases (p=0.02), taking any medication (p=0.04), in a polypharmacy regimen, and presenting hypertension (p=0.02) had more acidic salivary pH. Participants with diabetes had average salivary buffering capacity (p=0.02). In the adjusted multiple regression models, no explanatory variable was significantly associated with the salivary outcomes. Conclusion: Systemic alterations and medication use appear to be related to salivary changes in older adults. Integrative assessment of older adults is fundamental to identifying and controlling the factors that may modify their salivary characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the unstimulated salivary flow, pH, and buffering capacity and their associations with systemic conditions and medication use in independently living aged. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 72 participants with a minimum of 60 years recruited in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. A questionnaire was used to collect age, sex, presence of systemic diseases, and medications in continuous use. Salivary data collection was performed to determine unstimulated salivary flow, pH, and buffering capacity. Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate analyses were performed (p

Background: Oral health is an important element of well aging. And oral health also affects overall health, mental health, and quality of life. In this study, we sought to identify oral health influencing factors and research trends for well-aging through text analysis of research on well-aging and oral health over the past 12 years.Methods: The research data was analyzed based on English literature published in PubMed from 2012 to 2023. Aging well and oral health were used as search terms, and 115 final papers were selected. Network text analysis included keyword frequency analysis, centrality analysis, and cohesion structure analysis using the Net-Miner 4.0 program.Results: Excluding general characteristics, the most frequent keywords in 115 articles, 520 keywords (Mesh terms) were psychology, dental prosthesis and Alzheimer’s disease, Dental caries, cognition, cognitive dysfunction, and bacteria. Research keywords with high degree centrality were Dental caries (0.864), Quality of life (0.833), Tooth loss (0.818), Health status (0.727), and Life expectancy (0.712). As a result of community analysis, it consisted of 4 groups. Group 1 consisted of chewing and nutrition, Group 2 consisted oral diseases, systemic diseases and management, Group 3 consisted oral health and mental health, Group 4 consisted oral frailty symptoms and quality of life.Conclusion: In an aging society, oral dysfunction affects mental health and quality of life. Preventing oral diseases for well-aging can have a positive impact on mental health and quality of life. Therefore, efforts are needed to prevent oral frailty in a super-aging society by developing and educating systematic oral care programs for each life cycle.

Background: With increasing interest in health in old age, aspects of oral aging are being considered. The Korean Academy of Geriatric Dentistry recently proposed the diagnostic criteria for oral frailty in older adults in Korea. This study aimed to conduct a cross-sectional survey of factors related to oral frailty among community-dwelling older adults and identify differences in oral frailty status according to age and sex.Methods: Among 217 older adults aged ≥60 years who visited a senior center in Wonju, 206 completed all tests for oral frailty. Among them, data from those with a Korean Version of the Modified Barthel Index score ≥90 were used in the final analysis. After evaluating oral frailty diagnostic factors such as chewing ability, occlusal force, tongue pressure, oral dryness, oral cleanliness, and swallowing function, oral hypofunction was determined according to the oral frailty diagnostic criteria. Subsequently, the evaluation results were compared based on sex and age. Results: Significant differences in chewing ability, maximum occlusal pressure, and maximum tongue pressure were observed between sexes. However, these differences did not affect oral frailty diagnosis. All diagnostic factors of oral frailty, except for the risk of oral dryness and swallowing dysfunction, showed significant differences with age. However, no significant difference was observed in the prevalence of oral frailty. Additionally, this study found no relationship between sex and oral frailty factors using the oral frailty diagnostic criteria. However, it also found that age plays a significant role as an oral frailty diagnostic indicator, in addition to oral dryness and swallowing function. Conclusion: Sex and age did not affect oral frailty diagnosis. However, patients’ chewing ability, occlusal force, and tongue pressure were affected by sex and age. Therefore, sex and age should be considered when diagnosing and intervening in oral frailty in the future.

The Integrated Home Assistance Service (IHAS) was created to provide integral home care for elderly people who are unable to go to the health care units of the Brazilian Navy. A cross-sectional, quantitative, and descriptive study was carried out to evaluate the general health and dental hygiene profile of these patients. The study included elderly people aged 60 years or older who were assisted between February 2017 and December 2022. Most of them were long-lived, with a mean age of 82.52 (±8.66) years, women (63.52%) and totally dependent on performing basic activities of daily living (88.9%). The most common diagnosis among them was dementia syndrome, accounting for 44.3% of cases. Additionally, a large portion of the elderly had associated comorbidities (71.9%), with Systemic Arterial Hypertension (59.2%) and Diabetes Mellitus (28.9%) as the most recurrent conditions. The study found a high prevalence of elderly with unsatisfactory (34.7%) or irregular (57.2%) oral hygiene. Nevertheless, there was no significant association between dental hygiene and comorbidities or the degree of dependence. Therefore, it is imperative that elderly people living at home receive guidance and undergo meticulous and ongoing monitoring, in conjunction with their caregivers to promote improvements in the oral hygiene of these patients.

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Objectives: To understand the dimensions of oral health care of homebound older adults and to develop a preliminary theoretical model that explains how these dimensions are interrelated in the provision of care. Methods: Cross-sectional, qualitative study, based on Grounded Theory. Participants were 37 intentionally selected older adults registered at a Primary Health Care center, Florianópolis (SC), Brazil. Data collection was conducted at home, following an interview script. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed by constant comparison. Formulation of the model followed the Glaserian approach. Results: The theoretical model presents the dimensions of oral health care of homebound older adults - who, why, when, how, and where oral health care is provided. Frailties were identified in all dimensions of oral health care, with emphasis on those related to older adults' living, health, and oral health conditions, compromising dental care provided at home, access to dental services, and presence of the dentist. In combination, these frailties constitute a rupture in the possibilities for oral health care. Conclusions: Strategies for provision of oral health care to homebound older adults should be implemented in each of the dimensions to overcome the frailties identified and promote better oral health conditions and access to dental services.

Background: The importance of oral health in older adults, especially those in long-term care institutions (LTCIs), has been widely recognized. This study aimed to evaluate the sustainability of an oral health educational program (OHEP) for healthcare providers by measuring changes in their knowledge, attitudes, and practice (KAP) towards oral care provision 3 and 6 months after completing the OHEP. Methods: A pragmatic direct care nursing education trial with a control group was conducted to evaluate the sustainability of an OHEP by examining changes in KAP 3 and 6 months after the OHEP. The OHEP comprised both knowledge and skills related to oral care, whereas the control group received standard support in accordance with usual oral care practice. Results: The study included 20 healthcare providers in the intervention group and 20 in the control group. At 6 months post-OHEP, a significant difference in knowledge was observed between the two groups, with the intervention group maintaining a positive effect (mean 13.90). Conversely, the control group showed a significant decline in knowledge (from mean 14.25 to 12.10). Both groups showed an improvement in attitudes regarding oral health, with the intervention group exhibiting better results 3 months post-OHEP. Intervention group participants rated oral care as a higher priority. Conclusions: An OHEP program for LTCI direct care staff provides enhanced knowledge and attitudes toward oral health care. Regular training in direct care and additional support may be needed to sustain optimal effects on oral care practice.

Objective: Tube feeders are prone to membranous substance formation on the palate, and those with membranous substances have a risk of fever, with the probable involvement of their oral bacteria. However, the palatal microbiota of those with membranous substances has not been elucidated. Therefore, we evaluated the differences in palatal microbiota between tube-fed individuals with and without membranous substances to clarify the microbiota. Materials and methods: This study included 19 participants aged 65 years who required tube feeding. The participants’ characteristics were collected from nursing records and oral examinations. If membranous materials were found on the palate, a specimen was collected. Membranous substances were defined as keratotic degeneration observed under a microscope. Additionally, we performed a comprehensive microbiome analysis by extracting DNA from the samples and performing 16 S rRNA gene sequencing. Finally, we compared the participant demographics and oral microbiota between patients with and without membranous substances. Results: A total of 11 participants had membranous substances associated with “mouth dryness” (p

Purpose: The aim of this study is to investigate the literature to evaluate dental students' attitudes regarding the treatment of older adults. Methods: A scoping review was performed following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses/PRISMA guidelines to identify articles from four electronic databases: MEDLINE via the PubMed interface, Embase, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and AgeLine. Gray literature searches were also performed in Scopus, Web of Science, and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses‐Health and Medicine. Results: Eleven articles were assessed. The majority (72, 72%) were published between 2011 and 2020, evidencing various contexts of dental students, such as different countries and cultures, and levels of education. The most commonly used tool/instrument to survey dental students' attitudes was the Aging Semantic Differential Scale. Student age, race, and marital status did not seem to interfere with dental students' attitudes regarding the treatment of older adults. Conclusions: Dental students tend to have a positive attitude toward older people. In this context, female students, students who interact with older people, and clinical students have more positive attitudes than male and nonclinical students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Objective: This study evaluated the nutritional status and associated factors among older adults of a southern Brazilian city. Methods: A cross-sectional home-based study, with a probabilistic sample per cluster, was carried out with 282 older adults aged ≥60 years in the city of Veranópolis, Brazil. Through a structured questionnaire, socioeconomic, general and behavioral health aspects were assessed. Nutritional status was assessed using the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MAN®) instrument, categorizing the sample into eutrophic or nutritional risk (risk of malnutrition + malnourished). Oral health was assessed by counting teeth and the use of and need for dental prosthesis. Two independent multivariate models were constructed, using number of daily medication and polypharmacy (≥2 daily medications). Logistic regression was used to verify associations. Results: The prevalence of nutritional risk was 14.5% (N=41). In the final multivariate analysis, users of ≥6 daily medications demonstrated a greater odds ratio (OR) of being at nutritional risk when compared to those who did not use medication daily (OR: 12.16; 95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 1.47 – 100.82). Non-edentulous older adults had 67.7% (p = 0.006) lower OR for nutritional risk when compared to edentulous. Conclusion: The prevalence of nutritional risk was low among this sample, and it was associated with edentulism and number of daily medications.

Background: Population-based studies assessing the prevalence and associated factors of halitosis among older adults are scarce. Objectives: To evaluate the prevalence of self-reported halitosis and associated factors among older adults. Method: ology: Individuals aged ≥60 years were included. The main outcome was self-reported halitosis. Exposure variables were age, sex, skin color, level of education, marital status, presence of systemic health problems, use of medication, smoking exposure, alcohol exposure, access to dental care, toothbrush frequency, use of dental floss, number of present teeth, use of and need for dental prosthesis. Associations between the outcome and independent variables were performed with Poisson regression models with robust variance (p

Background: The United Kingdom (UK) has a well‐developed health and social care system, and strong research governance. However, there is limited evidence to guide best research practice among vulnerable older people in care homes and there is no consensus on clinical trial methodology that is deliverable in this setting. Objectives: To review the literature on trials conducted among older adults residing in care homes within the UK and collate evidence on their methodological characteristics and outcomes. Methods: A systematic rapid review methodology was employed. MEDLINE, EMBASE and CENTRAL were searched in two incremental stages: stage 1 searched for oral health‐related trials conducted within the UK care homes up to July 2021, whereas stage 2 sought for general health‐related trials in the same setting from 2011 to 2021. The quality of included studies was assessed using Cochrane's RoB 2 and ROBINS‐I tools. Findings were summarised descriptively. Results: Five oral health and 33 general health‐related trials involving care home residents were included for analysis. The most common trial design was parallel group with two arms (n = 25) involving individual randomisation (n = 21). Consent was mainly obtained from residents and/or their proxies (n = 24), followed by residents only (n = 13) and care homes only (n = 1). Based on available data, the number needed to screen to recruit one participant ranged from 2 to 40 (median: 3; Q1‐Q3: 2‐9). Attrition rates ranged from 0% to 73% (median: 21%; Q1‐Q3: 13%‐32%) for follow‐up periods between 1 and 52 weeks. The studies were of mixed methodological quality. Conclusion: This rapid review outlines the methodological characteristics and outcomes of trials conducted among older adults in UK care homes. The findings of this review provide valuable information to assist in navigating and designing future research in this complex setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Xerostomia is defined as the perception of dry mouth, and dysgeusia, as a change in taste. Both are common complaints in the elderly, especially among those making use of polypharmacy drug combinations. Aim: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of xerostomia and dysgeusia and to investigate their association with polypharmacy in the elderly. Methods: older people under follow-up at the Multidisciplinary Elderly Center of the University Hospital of Brasília were interviewed and asked about health problems, medications used, presence of xerostomia and dysgeusia. Descriptive statistics were used to determine the prevalence of the symptoms surveyed. The chi-square test was used to investigate the relationship between xerostomia and dysgeusia and polypharmacy. Secondary associations were performed using binomial logistic regression. Results: Ninety-six older people were evaluated and of these, 62.5% had xerostomia and 21.1%, had dysgeusia. The average number of medications used was 4±3 medications per individual. Polypharmacy was associated with xerostomia but not dysgeusia. It was possible to associate xerostomia with the use of antihypertensive drugs. Conclusion: Xerostomia was a frequent complaint among elderly people making use of polypharmacy, especially those using antihypertensives. Antihypertensives and antidepressants were used most drugs by the elderly and exhibited interactions with drugs most prescribed in Dentistry. Two contraindications were found between fluconazole and mirtazapine; and between erythromycin and simvastatin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To assess the prevalence and associated factors with use of dental implants among older adults. Methods: This cross‐sectional study was performed with home dwelling older adults from the cities Cruz Alta and Veranópolis, Brazil. The main outcome was obtained by a clinical oral examination, considering those with at least one dental implant. Independent variables were collected by a structured questionnaire. Crude and adjusted analysis was performed by Poisson regression with robust variance estimation; results are presented in prevalence ratio (PR) and 95% confidence interval. Results: It was included 569 participants. The overall prevalence of using at least one dental implant was 16.7%. Higher PR for the use of dental implants was observed in white individuals (PR:5.147; 95% CI:2.033–3.034), in those with at least medium income (PR:3.202; 95% CI:1.196–5.572) and in those with access to dental care in the last 12 months (RP:1.595; 95% CI:1.087–2.340). Older adults with a medium level of education (RP:0.484; 95% CI:0.240–0.978) and those that did not use dental floss (RP:0.627; 95% CI:0.240–0.978) demonstrated a significantly lower PR for use of dental implants. Conclusion: A substantial prevalence of use of dental implants was observed among older adults. In addition, white ones, those with a better financial situation and users of dental floss presented higher use of dental implants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background: The elderly have, a higher disease morbidity than other age groups due to a decrease in resistance to the disease and have complex diseases, so care should be taken. Accordingly, it is considered important to provide information for improving the health of the elderly. Health information plays an important role in individual health promotion and education, so the degree of exposure to information about oral health of the elderly is expected to have a significant impact on understanding and acquiring information on oral content videos on the importance, prevention, and management of oral health of the elderly in the future.Methods: This study analyzed video content related to oral diseases of the elderly in a total of 150 videos uploaded on YouTube from January 1, 2012 to May 13, 2021, using a total of three books of dental hygiene for the elderly.Results: Forty-nine broadcasters accounted for the most of this information. Among the information providers, there were two dental hygienists. They accounted for 1.3% of all the information providers. The highest number of dental hygienists who broadcasted information was 42 in 2019. The average number of views was 37,303 periodontal diseases, the highest. Among the videos, dry mouth was the most common with 34 oral diseases.Conclusion: The number of images for each disease varies, so it seems that information should be provided in various ways. Dental hygienists should widely improve oral health knowledge by providing various dental hygiene management images for each oral disease to improve the oral health of the general public. In addition, based on the information of the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, the development and provision of content should be actively carried out so that people can obtain the information they desire.

Background: Dentures can improve dental function and appearance in older people, but they may reduce oral health-related quality of life. Further research is needed to determine how denture wearing affects the general health and well-being of assisted living home residents. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was performed among 587 inmates of old-age homes in Andhra Pradesh with a self-administered, pretested questionnaire that consists of two sections. The first section of the questionnaire includes information on demographic factors and duration of stay in an old-age home, and data about denture maintenance and usage. The second section of the questionnaire consists of an Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP). For data presentation and analysis, IBM SPSS Statistics was used; descriptive statistics, the Chi-square test, and correlation were employed. P ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: In this study, the total satisfaction rate of complete denture (CD) users with good responses was 21.4% and for removable partial denture (RPD) users was 23.7%, which was statistically significant and was positively correlated. The overall OHIP for 1–5 years of denture users was high, with a mean of 53.8 ± 78.102, and a statistically significant difference existed between the CD and RPD users (P = 0.028). Conclusion: The overall satisfaction rate of RPD users was higher than the CD users and esthetics mainly impacts the satisfaction of dentures and the overall OHIP for 1–5 years of denture users was high.

Objectives: This study aims to explore the identification of older people in need of dental consultation, with a Simplified Oral Indicator (SOI) used by home care nurses (HCNs) and with the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI-NL) completed by older people themselves, compared with the Oral Health Assessment Tool (OHAT-NL), performed by dental hygienists., Methods: The HCNs completed SOI based on their professional view, knowledge and experience; scores red/orange/green were given to older people for oral health and oral hygiene. Older people completed the GOHAI-NL and dental hygienists completed the OHAT-NL., Results: Data from 141 older people were analysed. Sensitivity and specificity of SOI -OHAT-NL were low (0.45 and 0.64, respectively); SOI scored only few older people as 'red', while only 11 older people did not need a dental referral according to the OHAT-NL. OHAT-NL and GOHAI-NL correlation was significant, but low (r = -0.226, p = 0.012)., Conclusion: Simplified Oral Indicator is currently not sensitive enough to identify older people in need of dental consultation. Additional education to HCNs and/or adjusting SOI may be needed. The GOHAI-NL seems not useful in dental triage.

Purpose: The aim of this study is to investigate the existing evidence regarding the effectiveness of strategies aimed at combating ageism against older adults among dental students., Methods: A systematic review was performed following preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to identify articles from seven electronic databases: MEDLINE via the PubMed interface, Embase, Age-Line, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, and Cochrane., Results: Among twenty-four references reporting on ageism among oral health care providers and/or students, only two reported on the outcomes of strategies for combating ageism at dental schools, with a 12-year gap between them. Both studies showed that non-geriatric-specific clinical activities during dental school might reduce ageism among students. Notably, each article used a different tool to assess ageism., Conclusion: Although the dental literature calls for action to reduce ageism in many published articles, there is a need for more studies evaluating the outcomes of strategies to combat ageism in oral healthcare., (© 2024 The Author(s). Special Care in Dentistry published by Special Care Dentistry Association and Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Aims: To assess oral health, treatment burden, mortality risk, and demographics in elders with care-resistant behaviors (CRB) in nursing homes (NH) and compare them with those without CRB., Methods and Results: 503 participants from eight NH who received dental treatment through a mobile dental clinic were included. Their medical and dental records were screened regarding oral/dental health, treatment history, general health, demographics, and CRB. Statistical analysis was performed to show correlations between CRB and the measured parameters. Data were verified for normal distribution; a point-biserial correlation model was used (95% CI: α = 0.05). No correlation was found between CRB and Decayed Missing Filled Teeth (DMF-T) (r pb  = -0.061, p = .177), as well as periodontal status (r pb  = 0.004, p = .946). A negative correlation was observed between CRB and the required number of treatment procedures (r pb  = -0.181, p < .0001), time (r pb  = -0.118, p = .010), and costs (r pb  = -0.100, p = .028). Sex predilection for men regarding CRB was evident (r pb  = -0.155, p = .01). No correlation appeared between CRB and vital status (r pb  = -0.41, p = .355)., Conclusion: Oral health seems to be similar in institutionalized elders with or without CRB. Treatment burden was not elevated, but even reduced in elders with CRB, evincing that few/no treatment procedures were performed in those elders. CRB demonstrated a sex predilection for men. An association between CRB and increased mortality was not evident., (© 2024 The Author(s). Special Care in Dentistry published by Special Care Dentistry Association and Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Purpose: Clinicians who have not experienced the difficulties that come with aging or disability may be unable to relate to the limitations and experiences of afflicted patients, which is necessary to improve patient-provider connection and treatment outcomes. The purpose of this study was to test the effectiveness of an aging-simulation experience on improving dental students' awareness of aging-related limitations, examine the students' perceptions, and assess planned patient-care modifications based on the aging-simulation experience., Methods: A total of 78 dental students who rotated through two extramural clinic sites from August 2021 through October 2022 completed pre-simulation surveys, donned aging simulators in the dental operatory, initiated pre-defined tasks and their corresponding modifications, completed a post-simulation survey, and completed a reflection questionnaire containing structured and open-ended questions. Quantitative responses were analyzed using descriptive frequencies and paired sample t-tests, whereas thematic analyses were used to interpret free-text portion of the reflection questionnaire., Results: Student awareness of the impact of the four aging-related disabilities improved after the experience. Visual impairment was identified as the most difficult symptom to experience during simulation. Students reported increased feelings of empathy and acknowledged the effectiveness of clinical practice modifications to accommodate elderly patients with limitations. Students also expressed intentions to make similar modifications in their future clinical practice and the need for exposure to longer periods of simulated experiences to further clinical practice modifications for elderly patients., Conclusion: The aging-simulation experience is an effective tool for raising dental students' awareness of aging-related difficulties, the need for clinical practice modifications, and increasing empathy., (© 2024 The Author(s). Journal of Dental Education published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Dental Education Association.)

Aims: This study aims to report on the development and validation of the Attitude of Nursing staff towards Oral healthcare for Care-dependent Older adults (ANOCO) questionnaire., Methods: The development of the ANOCO questionnaire was performed in three stages between 2008 and 2019. In a first stage, domains related to oral healthcare attitudes were identified. Next, relevant statements per domain were formulated by a Delphi panel in two rounds, resulting in a questionnaire with 32 statements. In a final phase, this questionnaire was subjected to psychometric analysis, including an evaluation of the construct validity, an internal consistency analysis (Cronbachs alpha) and a principal component analysis., Results: The questionnaire could significantly distinguish between known groups (dentists, nurses' aides, nursing students and nurses). Regarding internal consistency, Cronbach's alpha was 0.863 in the first sample (n = 361) and 0.843 in the second sample (n = 1051). Based on principal component analysis, 22 statements were retained. Four components with an eigenvalue of more than 1 explained 45% of the total variance., Conclusion: The ANOCO-22 questionnaire consists of 22 statements and is a valid tool to assess the changes or differences in the attitude of nursing staff towards oral healthcare for care-dependent older adults., (© 2024 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

As the global population ages, there is a growing recognition of the multifaceted impact of aging on various aspects of health and well-being. Oral ailments and conditions linked to the aging process increase the demand for preventive, restorative, and periodontal dental interventions. This holds particularly true for individuals aged 65 and above, specifically those facing economic disadvantages, belonging to racial or ethnic minority communities, or residing in institutions, experiencing disabilities, or being confined to their homes.1.

Objectives: Ageism among pre-doctoral and graduate dental students may reduce their propensity to provide dental treatment to elderly patients leading to substandard healthcare for this population. This study evaluated the impact of perceived ageism constructs and geriatric dentistry education on the intention of pre-doctoral and graduate students to provide dental care for elderly patients., Methods: A questionnaire was applied to collect the data for this cross-sectional study from pre-doctoral students in their clinical years and graduate students in their internship year (N = 201). A total of 183 completed responses were received, and the response rate was 91%. Hierarchical regression analysis was performed to determine the incremental effects of perceived ageism constructs and geriatric dentistry education on the intention to provide dental care for elderly patients., Results: Geriatric dental education (B = 0.328, t = 3.826, p < 0.001) and patients' low compliance (B = 0.503, t = 4.658, p < 0.001) were significantly positive predictors of pre-doctoral and graduate students' intentions to care for elderly patients. Also, negative attitudes toward the lives of elderly people have a substantial adverse effect on the intention of care for this population (B = -0.225, t = -2.206, p = 0.029). Cronbach's alpha for the scale constructs ranged from 0.738 to 0.886., Conclusions: Advanced geriatric training may cultivate pre-doctoral and graduate students' deeper understanding and recognition of the intellectual and practical benefits that might arise from offering dental care to elderly people., (© 2024 American Dental Education Association.)

Background: Although the orofacial-function improvement exercise (OFIE; oral exercise) was first introduced in Korea 10 years prior, it is still not covered by medical insurance, and no detailed survey on the dissemination of related programs has been conducted. Therefore, this study investigated the actual status of the education and practice of OFIE among the elderly and at elderly welfare institutions in the Seoul and Gyeonggi Provinces.Methods: Senior citizens aged more than 65 years old, public health centers (total of 69) and elderly welfare institutions (including nursing homes and elderly welfare centers, total of 56) per administrative area in the Seoul and Gyeonggi Provinces were targeted. We analyzed 200 elderly people and 93 institutions who agreed to participate in the survey. For the elderly, general characteristics, experience and route, current practice, and necessity regarding OFIE were investigated. For institutions, the history and plan of education programs on OFIE were investigated. Results: Regardless of the general characteristics, both the rate of experience and practice for OFIE were low overall; moreover, although they felt it was necessary, they had insufficient motivation for its implementation. Moreover, only a few institutions which were operating the education about OFIE regardless of the COVID-19 situation.Conclusion: Although OFIE is necessary for the elderly, its distribution remains insufficient. Therefore, further efforts are needed to expand the education and raise the awareness of oral exercise among elderly individuals and senior welfare institutions.

Objectives: To investigate the presence of soft tissue calcifications in the head and neck region on panoramic radiographs of older adults. Methods: We analysed 1176 panoramic radiographs obtained between January 2013 and December 2018 from individuals of both sexes aged 60 years or older, who were referred by dental specialities to the Dental Imaginology Service of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. The types of soft tissue calcification evaluated were as follows: carotid artery calcification (CAC), thyroid cartilage calcifications, triticeous cartilage calcifications, sialoliths, tonsilloliths and lymph node calcifications. The presence of soft tissue calcifications was correlated with age and sex. The chi‐square test with continuity correction was used for the calculation of p values and the evaluation of the proposed associations. Prevalence ratios and 95% confidence intervals were also calculated. Results: At least one type of soft tissue calcification was found in 43% of the sample. The main calcifications detected were CAC, thyroid and triticeous cartilage calcifications, tonsilloliths, sialoliths, calcified lymph nodes, and phleboliths. Mean patient age was 67.47 years and there was a predominance of females (62.8%) in the sample. Bivariate analysis showed a statistically significant association between female sex and the presence of thyroid and triticeous cartilage calcifications and between male sex and the presence of tonsilloliths. Conclusion: Routine panoramic radiography permits the identification of soft tissue calcifications that may be indicators of future cardiovascular disorders, the referral to a medical service and the establishment of therapies for stroke prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Population-based studies assessing the prevalence and associated factors of halitosis among older adults are scarce. To evaluate the prevalence of self-reported halitosis and associated factors among older adults. ology: Individuals aged ≥60 years were included. The main outcome was self-reported halitosis. Exposure variables were age, sex, skin color, level of education, marital status, presence of systemic health problems, use of medication, smoking exposure, alcohol exposure, access to dental care, toothbrush frequency, use of dental floss, number of present teeth, use of and need for dental prosthesis. Associations between the outcome and independent variables were performed with Poisson regression models with robust variance (p < 0.05). A total of 569 older adults were included, of which 35.5% (n = 202) self-reported halitosis. In the final multivariate model, higher age (prevalence ratio [PR]:0.967; 95% confidence interval [95%CI]:0.946–0.988) and level of education (PR:0.673; 95%CI:0.469–0.967 and PR:0.635; 95%CI:0.414–0.973 for medium and high level of education, respectively, compared to low level) were associated with halitosis. Conversely, no access to dental care (PR:1.322; 95%CI:1.044–1.676) and a higher number of teeth present (PR:1.023; 95%CI:1.009–1.037) were associated with a higher occurrence of self-reported halitosis. A high prevalence of self-reported halitosis was detected among older adults and was associated with lower age, lower level of education, no access to the dentist and higher number of teeth present. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dentures can improve dental function and appearance in older people, but they may reduce oral health-related quality of life. Further research is needed to determine how denture wearing affects the general health and well-being of assisted living home residents. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was performed among 587 inmates of old-age homes in Andhra Pradesh with a self-administered, pretested questionnaire that consists of two sections. The first section of the questionnaire includes information on demographic factors and duration of stay in an old-age home, and data about denture maintenance and usage. The second section of the questionnaire consists of an Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP). For data presentation and analysis, IBM SPSS Statistics was used; descriptive statistics, the Chi-square test, and correlation were employed. P ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: In this study, the total satisfaction rate of complete denture (CD) users with good responses was 21.4% and for removable partial denture (RPD) users was 23.7%, which was statistically significant and was positively correlated. The overall OHIP for 1–5 years of denture users was high, with a mean of 53.8 ± 78.102, and a statistically significant difference existed between the CD and RPD users (P = 0.028). Conclusion: The overall satisfaction rate of RPD users was higher than the CD users and esthetics mainly impacts the satisfaction of dentures and the overall OHIP for 1–5 years of denture users was high. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To describe the survival rate and peri-implant bone loss in very old patients dependent for their activities of daily living (ADL), treated with mandibular two-implant overdentures (IODs) in the context of a previously reported randomized controlled trial. Materials and Methods: A total of 19 patients received two interforaminal Straumann implants (Regular Neck, 4.1 mm diameter, 8 mm length) that were subsequently loaded with Locator attachments, transforming their preexisting inferior conventional denture into an IOD. The primary outcome measures were implant survival rate and radiographically assessed peri-implant bone loss. Secondary outcome measures included peri-implant probing depth and Plaque Index scores, as well as implant mobility. Nutritional state (body mass index and blood markers) and cognitive state (Mini- Mental State Examination) were also analyzed. Results: The patient cohort comprised eight men and 11 women with a mean age of 85.7 ± 6.6 years. The implant survival rate up to 5 years was 94.7%, with one early and one late implant failure. The mean loss of peri-implant bone height was 0.17 mm per year (95% confidence interval: 0.09 to 0.24; P < .001). Peri-implant probing depth and Plaque Index scores were low and stable during the first 2 years, and thereafter increased continuously. Correlation analysis suggests that a reduced cognitive function and nutritional state are not a particular risk factor for accelerated peri-implant bone loss. Conclusion: The high implant survival and acceptable peri-implant health suggest that neither age nor dependency for the ADLs is a contraindication for the placement of implants. Nevertheless, close monitoring of the patients concerning a potential further functional decline precluding denture management and performing oral hygiene measures is advised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Due to the prevalence of corona virus and restrictions on access to health care in the community, there are clearly many concerns and problems for the lives of people, especially the elderly. Older people are at higher risk for this type of virus than the other ages. The purpose of this study was to investigate the status of dental services for the elderly during the corona outbreak and to provide solutions related to oral health of the elderly during the corona virus pandemic. Materials and Methods: The present review study was performed and the selected keywords were: coronavirus and dentistry, dentistry and the elderly, corona and the elderly. Articles were selected based on findings and related texts. English language articles were selected using Google Scholar, Science direct, PubMed and Research Gate search engines. Sources were reviewed between January 2019 and October 2020. Based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, 15 articles were reviewed. Results: Research findings showed that most studies have pointed to the importance of mobile and tele-dentistry. In a coronary pandemic, it is very important to correctly diagnose the patient's problems and determine the best type of treatment for the elderly. In addition, the elderly should be prevented from entering the unnecessary dental treatments. Conclusion: Many elderly people avoid the treatment of oral diseases during coronavirus pandemic due to fear of coronavirus, high dental costs, lack of access to appropriate services, and this causes irreparable problems in their health. Therefore, it is recommended to provide practical solutions to facilitate the dental treatment of elderly patients.

People with special health care needs in long-term care settings have difficulty accessing a traditional dental office. The goal of the authors was to assess initial treatment decision concordance between dentists conducting traditional in-person examinations using mobile equipment and additional dentists conducting examinations using asynchronous teledentistry technology. Six dentists from Access Dental Care, a North Carolina mobile dentistry nonprofit, saw new patients on-site at 12 participating facilities or asynchronously off-site with electronic dental records, radiographs, and intraoral images, all captured by an on-site dental hygienist. Off-site dentists were masked to other dentists' treatment need decisions; 3 through 5 off-site examinations were conducted for each on-site examination. Demographic and binary treatment need category data were collected. For the 3 most prevalent treatment types needed (surgery, restorative, and new removable denture), the authors calculated the percentage agreement and κ statistics with bootstrapped CIs (1,000 replicates). The 100 enrolled patients included 47 from nursing homes, 45 from Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, and 8 from group homes for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Mean (SD) age was 73.9 (16.5) years. Among dentate participants, the percentage agreement and bootstrapped κ (95% CI) were 87% and 0.74 (0.70 to 0.78) for surgery and 78% and 0.54 (0.50 to 0.58) for restorative needs, respectively, and among dentate and edentulous participants, they were 94% and 0.78 (0.74 to 0.83), respectively, for new removable dentures. The authors assessed the initial dental treatment decision concordance between on-site dentists conducting in-person examinations with a mobile oral health care delivery model and off-site dentists conducting examinations with asynchronous dentistry. Concordance was substantial for surgery and removable denture treatment decisions and moderate for restorative needs. Patient characteristics and facility type were not significant factors in the levels of examiner agreement. This evidence supports teledentistry use for patients with special health care needs and could help improve their access to oral health care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative condition affecting the quality of life. Due to a worsening of oral health in PD patients with the progression of the disease, oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) could be impaired as well. Objectives: To assess whether PD patients in The Netherlands experience worse OHRQoL than historical controls, and to investigate which factors are associated with OHRQoL in PD patients. Materials & Methods: In total, 341 PD patients (65.5 ± 8.4 years) and 411 historical controls (62.6 ± 5.3 years) participated. Both groups completed a questionnaire. The PD patients were asked questions regarding demographics, PD, oral health, and OHRQoL. The historical controls filled in demographic information and questions regarding OHRQoL. The latter construct was assessed using the Dutch 14‐item version of the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP‐14). Data were analysed using independent samples t‐tests and univariate and multivariate linear regression analysis. Results: The mean OHIP‐14 score was higher in PD patients (19.1 ± 6.7) than in historical controls (16.5 ± 4.4) (t(239) = 6.5; p <.001). OHRQoL in PD patients was statistically significant associated with motor aspects of experiences of daily living (B = 0.31; t(315) = 7.03; p <.001), worsening of the oral environment during disease course (B = 3.39; t(315) = 4.21; p <.001), being dentate (B = −5.60; t(315) = −4.5; p <.001), tooth wear (B = 2.25; t(315) = 3.29; p =.001), and possible burning mouth syndrome (B = 5.87; t(315) = 2.87; p =.004). Conclusion: PD patients had a lower OHRQoL than historical controls. Besides, PD‐related variables and oral health‐related variables were associated with OHRQoL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Purpose: The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of geriatric dentistry courses as a combating strategy against ageism among dental students., Methods: A pre-post prospective study was conducted in three different dental schools located in the State of Sao Paulo, Brazil, that offered geriatric dentistry courses in their curricula. A questionnaire specifically developed for this research and the "Ageism Scale for Dental Students" (ASDS) were applied before and after geriatric dentistry courses in all three dental schools., Results: Among 184 dental students, 51.6% (n = 95) improved their ageism scores. Dental students who improved ASDS scores were more likely to be from a public dental school (56 .7% vs. 40.4%; p = .040), in their 8th and 10th semesters (56 .7% vs. 40.4%; p = .040), and females (55 .6% vs. 36.8%; p = .040). Other factors such as age, ethnicity, history of living with older adults, history of taking care of older adults, and knowledge of ageism were not significantly associated with ageism score improvement. Only institutional affiliation and age remained significant predictors in the final model., Conclusion: In this study, the main variables correlated with reducing ageism among dental students were institutional affiliation and age., (© 2024 Special Care Dentistry Association and Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Introduction: Older adults living in long-term care facilities (LTCFs) often have poor oral health and difficulty accessing dental services. The aim was to implement a virtual dental home (VDH) program for residents in two LTCFs utilizing asynchronous teledentistry techniques and mobile dental equipment., Methods: This pilot project was a 6-month longitudinal cohort study in two LTCFs. Dental hygienists and dentists from a local community health care center utilized asynchronous teledentistry to provide diagnostic and preventive dental services onsite and to establish a dental home for additional comprehensive care services. Data were collected, including resident's demographics, oral health status, and dental services received. Descriptive data analyses, Wilcoxon signed rank, and McNemar tests were conducted., Results: Thirty-four residents completed in-person baseline oral exams and 16 residents completed the recall exams. Ninety-two percent (n = 23) of dentate residents (n = 25) had untreated caries and 64% (n = 16) of dentate residents had at least one sextant of severe gingival inflammation. The median number of teeth with active untreated caries (p = .01) significantly decreased and arrested caries (p = .02) significantly increased from baseline., Conclusion: Iowa's VDH pilot project was successful in establishing a dental home using asynchronous teledentistry for residents in two LTCFs and providing resident access to preventive and disease control dental services., (© 2024 The Author(s). Special Care in Dentistry published by Special Care Dentistry Association and Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Introduction: Previous studies have shown that a calcium prerinse can increase intraoral fluoride retention from a fluoride rinse. To explore the potential of this approach to control root caries, we assessed intraoral fluoride bioavailability after a calcium prerinse in older adults with normal to low salivary flow rates., Methods: In a 2-period crossover trial (NCT04239872), 20 participants (65-80 y old), with low or normal salivary flow rate, rinsed for 1 min with a 0.05% NaF mouth rinse (226 ppm F, F only) or with this rinse immediately after a 1-min rinse with 150 mM calcium lactate (Ca→F). Dental biofilm and saliva samples were collected before and up to 2 h after the rinse(s). Fluoride concentrations in saliva (whole and clarified) and dental biofilm (fluid and solid phases) were blindly determined. Data were statistically analyzed by a mixed-effects model for the effect of treatment, time, and their interaction ( α = 5%)., Results: The Ca→F group resulted in significantly higher fluoride concentrations in all variables analyzed, for almost all of the collection time points. The effect was greater in the biofilm solids and whole saliva (compatible with the formation of calcium fluoride deposits) and still significant ( P < 0.001) after 2 h in the biofilm fluid and clarified saliva, suggesting that fluoride stored in insoluble particles was released, increasing free fluoride., Conclusion: The use of a calcium prerinse before a fluoride rinse was able to prolong intraoral fluoride bioavailability in older adults., Knowledge Transfer Statement: A calcium prerinse increased intraoral fluoride bioavailability in older individuals. This approach could be used to improve root caries control without the need to increase the fluoride concentration in dental products., Competing Interests: Declaration of Conflicting InterestsThe authors declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.