Oral health promotion to elderly people with dementia

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To assess the oral health related behaviours of and to provide oral health education to elders with dementia. METHODS: Chinese elders with dementia attending three selected day care centers in Hong Kong were invited to participate in this project provided by dental students. The project comprised of a questionnaire survey to study the oral health related behaviours of the elders, and an oral health talk and individualized oral hygiene instruction to the elders and their care takers. Their satisfaction with the project was assessed. RESULTS: Fifty-nine Chinese elders with dementia (12 men, 47 women) with a mean age of 80±7 years participated. Although all of them practiced daily toothbrushing, 33% only brushed once daily and 31% needed assistance on tooth-brushing. The main difficulty they encountered in toothbrushing was forgetfulness (73%). Half of the participants visited dentists within a year and the main reason was they had dental caries (56%). However, 18% had not visited a dentist for at least 3 years and the main reason was they perceived no problem (80%). The oral health education programme was well received by the participants and their care takers; all of them were satisfied. CONCLUSIONS: The oral hygiene practices and dental visit behaviours of the study Chinese elders with dementia should be improved and that oral health education can be successfully provided by dental students.