Oral health needs of elderly short-term patients in a geriatric department of a general hospital.

The purpose of this study was to estimate the realistic dental needs of an elderly short-stay patient in a geriatric department. One segment of the elderly population at risk for whom surveillance would appear extremely important are those admitted temporarily to the hospital for acute or acute-on-chronic care. Little has been written about the oral needs of such patients. The study population was comprised of 468 patients of a geriatric department in a medical center examined by a dentist trained in gerodontics. An evaluation of the results showed that 65.3% needed direct oral hygiene assistance. Only 16.4% are able to participate in oral hygiene instruction; a few of them--6.6%--had a need of prosthodontic treatment. A once-weekly screening program was required to handle the oral problems, mainly Candida infections. Close cooperation with the ward staff is essential in order to develop and promote good oral hygiene for this very frail elderly population.