NO ELDER SHOULD DIE FROM DIRTY TEETH Angie

NO ELDER SHOULD DIE FROM DIRTY TEETH Angie Stone, RDH, BS Founder Hy. Life, LLC

The State of Oral Health in Nursing Homes Elderly nursing home residents have extensive oral disease and poor oral hygiene and suffer the WORST oral health of any population. Journal American Geriatrics Society, 2006 (U. S. Department of Health and Human Services. Oral Health in America: A report from the Sugeon General. 2000)

WE KNOW ABOUT THE ORAL/SYSTEMIC LINK Poor oral health is associated with • • • Poor nutrition Pain Weight loss Diminished quality of life Serious illness in old age Serious diseases include • • • Lung disease/COPD Cardiovascular/cerebrovascular disease Diabetes mellitus Systemic infection Dementia

SYSTEMIC INFECTION… ASPIRATION PNEUMONIA • Aspiration pneumonia is probably the most common sequelae of poor oral health in aged persons(Clinical Infectious Diseases 2005: 40) • Bacteria in mouth can cause aspiration pneumonia which can lead to death

HYGIENISTS CANNOT PROVIDE DENTAL HYGIENE SERVICES EASILY • Only one state - Colorado - allows dental hygienists to provide services with out any restrictions • Even if residents are receiving dental hygiene services are not dentally healthy • This is because the daily oral care needs of our elders are not being met

WHY IS ORAL CARE NEGLECTED? • Perineal care is priority over oral care on a routine basis

IMPROVED ORAL CARE • Reduces • Aspiration Pneumonia • Systemic Disease • Dental Disease • Is easier to accomplish than changing laws to be able to provide dental hygiene services • Is more effective than 3 or 6 month hygiene visits at keeping residents healthy

Hy. Life Oral Care Services • Supports elder oral health by: • Providing Oral Care Services • Brushing, Between the Teeth Cleaning • Xylitol products, Toothbrushes, Xylitol Toothpaste • Providing Oral Health Advocacy • Supporting Family Members • Supporting Care Team

BENEFITS TO ELDER • Receive Compassionate Oral Care • Prevent Oral Disease • Lower Risk of Heart • Attacks & Strokes • Reduce Dental Emergencies • Lessen Pneumonia Rates • Improve Overall Quality of Life

BENEFITS TO RDH (Oral Care Specialist) • Utilize Your Existing Skill Set • Serve The • Elder Community • Promote • Oral-Systemic Health • Earn Additional Income • Work Flexible Hours • Be Part of a • Dedicated Team

WHO ARE THE HYGIENISTS YOU KNOW THAT WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF ELDERS?

Thank You! Angie Stone, RDH, BS Founder Hy. Life, LLC astone@hylifellc. com 608 -884 -0038 www. hylifellc. com