Suchergebnisse

The aim of the present investigation was to study the Inter‐relationship among the degree of mental retardation, the way of living, and dental health in adults with mental retardation. One hundred and thirty‐ two adults between the ages of 21 and 40 years who were mentally retarded were examined on two occasions, one year apart. All subjects had had regular dental care for at least 10 years. The clinical examinations included bite‐wing radiographs and were made by the same dentist. The degree of mental retardation was assessed by a professional psychologist. The results show that the degree of mental retardation as well as living arrangements are factors Influencing the dental health of persons with mental retardation. Subjects who were mildly retarded had higher carles incidence and caries prevalence compared with subjects with moderate or severe mental retardation. From a preventive dental health perspective, special attention should be focused on subjects with mild mental retardation who are not living in Institutions.

During the last few years in Sweden, there has been a change in the way of living for the mentally retarded. There has been a gradual movement away from institutions toward a more integrated life within society. The aim of the present study was to examine the dental health of mentally retarded adults with different ways of living. Forty‐two subjects lived in an institution, 50 lived in integrated units, and 40 stayed in their own apartments or with their parents. All subjects had had regular dental care for at least ten years. The clinical examination was made by one dentist. The use of fluoride and chlorhexidine was recorded in addition to a microbiological examination. The results showed a higher caries prevalence and incidence in subjects with integrated living. Compared with other studies where the mentally retarded had had no regular dental care, the caries incidence and prevalence were lower in this study, and the number of missing teeth was lower. The prevalence of mutans streptococci was related to caries prevalence and incidence. High scores of mutans streptococci could be observed, even among subjects with a frequent use of chlorhexidine gel. The loss of alveolar bone was more pronounced for individuals living in the institution compared with that in individuals with other ways of living.

ABSTRACTThe authors review the literature on pain experience and pain assessment in people with cognitive impairments, focusing on individuals with dementia and mental retardation. The impact of cognitive impairments on pain sensation is not well understood, although some observations have been published. For example, research suggests that pain experience can be influenced by neuropathological processes in the brain and memory impairments. Reporting of pain decreases as cognitive impairment increases. In addition, poor verbal skills lead to difficulties in communicating pain. Pain assessment depends primarily on one's ability to describe the dimensions of pain. Individuals with limited ability to report pain can use pain assessment methods that rely on simple cognitive tasks. For individuals who have no ability to report pain, an outside observer must describe the discomfort experienced by interpreting the patient's body language. The authors conclude that further research is needed to develop valid and reliable assessment methods for people with cognitive impairments.

ABSTRACTThe aim was to compare fluoride (F) levels in individuals with normal salivary secretion and hyposalivation in connection with their use of F solutions and toothpaste.Seven individuals with normal salivation and nine with hyposalivation rinsed with 0.2% NaF solution for 1 minute. In addition, individuals with hyposalivation performed the following: (i) 0.2% NaF rinsing for 20 seconds, (ii) rubbing oral mucosa with a swab soaked with 0.2% NaF solution, and (iii) brushing with 5,000 ppm F (1.1% NaF) toothpaste.Subjects characterized by hyposalivation reached approximately five times higher peak values of F concentrations in saliva after 1 minute rinsing with the F solution and higher area under the curve (AUC) values. The simplified methods exhibited the same AUC values as did 1 minute of rinsing. Brushing with 5,000 ppm F toothpaste resulted in higher AUC values than did the simplified methods.The F concentrations reached higher levels in individuals with hyposalivation compared to those with normal salivation. The simplified methods tested showed similar effects as conventional methods.

ABSTRACTAimThe aim of the study was to investigate oral health and oral care habits among older immigrants to Sweden from countries outside the Nordic region.MethodParticipants ≥60 years of age from senior social centers for immigrants were invited to attend oral examinations. Data was collected on the number of teeth, dentures, caries, periodontal status, saliva secretion, and plaque scores. Participants also described their general health and oral care habits.ResultsFourteen men and 28 women, median age 71.5 years, participated. Seventeen percent were edentulous, women often than men. Three out of four had caries and 63% had gingival bleeding. Two‐thirds brushed their teeth twice per day and 60% had visited dental services in the last 2 years.ConclusionThe group had a high prevalence of oral diseases and discomfort. They used dental services and brushed their teeth less frequently than Swedish populations of the same age.

ABSTRACT Using osseointegrated implants to replace teeth is a routine procedure today. This study investigated oral status, oral hygiene habits, and patient satisfaction in elderly with dental implants who were dependent on substantial support for daily living. Twenty‐six persons over the age of 65 who were dependent on supportive care were examined. Data collected included the number of teeth and implants, plaque scores, bleeding on probing, and oral hygiene habits. Self‐perceived knowledge about managing their implants and satisfaction with the implants was recorded. Subjects had a total of 148 natural teeth and 144 implants. Only a few signs of oral disease were found and the tissues around implants were healthier than around natural teeth. No correlations between oral hygiene habits and plaque scores or bleeding were found. A majority of the subjects were satisfied with their implants. Dental implants have satisfactory function even in individuals who are elderly and have substantial needs for supportive care.