The effectiveness of oral hygiene programmes for elderly people--a review.
Comprehensive oral health care is an essential feature of quality of life. In the near future, a greater number of elderly people will retain more natural teeth, whether or not supplemented by prosthetic provisions, and/or may be provided with implants. As a consequence, oral self-care will be much more demanding. Prevention must reduce the greater risk of oral disease for elderly people. Effective early intervention strategies are: promotion of over-all general health, obviation of stereotypes, education by dental hygienists, instruction and demonstration combined with systematic evaluation, use of a fluoride containing dentifrice, and regular professional support and use of chlorhexidine rinses for less well and confused elderly.
de Baat
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Department of Oral Function and Prosthetic Dentistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
Kalk
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Schuil
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D000368:Aged; D002710:Chlorhexidine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016321:Dental Care for Aged; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000517:prevention & control; D006267:Health Education, Dental / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009067:Mouthwashes / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009910:Oral Hygiene; D010510:Periodontal Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control; D015397:Program Evaluation
D009067:Mouthwashes; D002710:Chlorhexidine