A Narrative of Oral Care in Palliative Patients.

Painful oral conditions represent a significant problem for most patients with a serious disease and palliative care needs. The main causes of such conditions may be associated with the underlying disease and its treatment, but primarily with adverse side effects of drugs. Oral conditions can lead to worsening of the illness and reduced quality of life.

Randomized controlled trial of the effectiveness of three different oral moisturizers in palliative care patients.

Most patients in palliative care have problems with dry mouth caused by medication or as a direct result of their condition. Dry mouth may cause problems that affect the primary disease negatively and contribute to poorer quality of life in palliative patients. This randomized controlled trial compared the efficacy of three different oral moisturizers: 17% watery solution of glycerol; oxygenated glycerol triester (marketed as Aequasyal in Europe and as Aquoral in the USA); and a newly developed product, Salient.

Effect of glycerol on reconstructed human oral mucosa.

The majority of severely ill patients experience dry mouth. For institutionalized patients, this condition is commonly treated using glycerol as a lubricant. However, because of its possibly desiccating effect, some countries do not advocate the use of glycerol.

End-of-life palliative oral care in Norwegian health institutions. An exploratory study.

Objective: To explore circumstances surrounding procedures and knowledge regarding oral care for terminal patients in Norwegian healthcare institutions.

Methods: A questionnaire was distributed to randomly selected hospitals (n = 19) and nursing homes (n = 57) in central and rural parts of Norway. The questionnaire included three closed-ended and three open-ended questions about oral care for terminal patients.

Oral care training in the basic education of care professionals.

Objective: To investigate the quantity and quality of oral care training in the basic education of future long-term care (LTC) professionals in Norway.

Background: The level of oral hygiene has often proved inadequate in LTC facilities. It has been maintained that this could be due to insufficient knowledge of oral care among care professionals.

Long-term effect of an oral healthcare programme on oral hygiene in a nursing home.

This article reports on the long-term effect of an oral healthcare programme aimed at improving and maintaining the oral hygiene of elderly residents in a nursing home. The method was based on (i) motivation and oral-care training of the nursing staff, (ii) production of picture-based oral-care procedure cards, (iii) distribution of adequate oral-care equipment, (iv) practical implementation of new routines, and (v) assessment of results attained. The level of oral hygiene in the nursing home was assessed using the mucosal-plaque score (MPS) index.

Change in oral health status among the institutionalized Norwegian elderly over a period of 16 years.

Objective: To assess the oral health status of elderly residents living in nursing homes, and to determine whether there have been any changes between 1988 and 2004.

Material And Methods: The dental, periodontal, prosthetic, and oral mucosal status was recorded for 155 elderly long-term residents in five nursing homes. The results were compared with those of an identical cross-sectional study from 1988, using the same nursing homes, examination procedures, and evaluation criteria.

Chewing problems and dissatisfaction with chewing ability: a survey of older Tanzanians.

This study assessed the prevalence and correlates of reported chewing problems and dissatisfaction with chewing ability. Discrepancy between reported chewing problems and satisfaction/dissatisfaction with chewing ability was examined. A household survey was conducted in Tanzania in 2004/2005.

Dental technicians' experiences with all-ceramic extra-coronal restorations.

The aim of this study was to identify the dental technicians' experiences with extra-coronal all-ceramic restorations. A questionnaire was mailed to all laboratories registered in The Norwegian Association of Dental Laboratory Owners (n=186). The response was 149 (80%).

Caregivers' perceptions of electric versus manual toothbrushes for the institutionalised elderly.

Objective: To evaluate how caregivers feel about the use of electric vs. manual toothbrushes for the elderly in long-term care.

Materials And Methods: After electric toothbrushes had been accessible in an institution for 15 months, a self-administered questionnaire was distributed to the nursing staff.

Clinical and socio-behavioral correlates of tooth loss: a study of older adults in Tanzania.

Background: Focusing 50 year olds and above, this study assessed the frequency, extent and correlates of tooth loss due to various reasons. Frequency and correlates of posterior occluding support was also investigated.

Method: A cross-sectional household survey was conducted in Pwani region and in Dar es Salaam in 2004/2005.

[Oral care in the last stages of life].

Background: It is the responsibility of the nursing homes to provide residents with adequate oral hygiene. This article describes a new approach to improve the oral hygiene standards of the elderly in long-term care.

Material And Methods: The method was based on 1) the production of individual, pictorial oral care plans for each resident; 2) the patients receiving first-class dental care equipment (electric toothbrush, interdental brushes, prosthesis brushes etc.

Ethics of esthetic dentistry.

Patient demand for esthetics has increased globally, and often for reasons of patient self-esteem. However, important ethical issues encompass treatment for purely esthetic reasons. Also, perceptions of what is esthetic differ among patients and clinicians.