A preventive care approach for oral health in nursing homes: a qualitative study of healthcare workers' experiences.

BACKGROUND: Oral health problems are common among care-dependent older adults living in nursing homes. Developing strategies to prevent the deterioration of oral health is therefore crucial to avoid pain and tooth loss. A standardized work widely used in nursing homes in Sweden is the quality register Senior Alert (SA), which assesses age-related risks concerning e.g. pressure sores, falls, malnutrition and oral health. The oral health assessment is performed with the Revised Oral Assessment Guide-Jönköping (ROAG-J), which also includes planning and implementation of preventive oral care interventions with the goal of achieving good quality care. However, what facilitates and hinders healthcare workers in working with oral health in SA remains unexplored. The aim of this study was to describe healthcare workers' experiences of assessing oral health with the ROAG-J, planning and performing preventive oral health care actions in accordance with SA in nursing homes. METHODS: Healthcare workers (n = 28) in nursing homes in two Swedish municipalities participated and data was collected through six focus group interviews. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to identify patterns of meaning in the data. RESULTS: Themes generated in the analysis were: (1) A structured process promotes communication and awareness and stresses the importance of oral health; (2) Oral care for frail older adults is challenging and triggers ethical dilemmas; (3) Unclear responsibilities, roles and routines in the organization put oral health at risk; (4) Differences in experience and competence among healthcare staff call for educational efforts. CONCLUSIONS: The structured way of working increases staff awareness and prioritization of oral health in nursing homes. The main challenges for the healthcare workers were residents' reluctance to participate in oral care activities and oral care being more complicated since most older adults today are dentate. Organizational challenges lay in creating good routines and clarifying staff roles and responsibilities, which will require continuous staff training and increased management involvement.

Self-perceived oral health and orofacial appearance in older adults - an 18-year follow-up study in Karlskrona, Sweden.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze whether self-perceived oral health and orofacial appearance change with increasing age. METHODS: This longitudinal study is based on data from a questionnaire used in the Swedish National Study of Aging and Care. The sample comprises 160 participants 60 years of age at baseline 2001-2003. The same participants were re-examined at 66-, 72-, and 78 years of age. To analyze whether perceptions of oral health and orofacial appearance changed with increasing age, Cochran's Q test was conducted. Statistical significance was considered at p ≤ 0.05, and the calculated value Q must be equal to or greater than the critical chi-square value (Q ≥ 7.82). Significance values have been adjusted for the Bonferroni correction for multiple tests. RESULTS: Self-perceived mouth dryness, both day (Q = 7.94) and night (Q = 23.41), increased over the 18-year follow-up. When divided by gender, significant differences were only seen for mouth dryness at nighttime. A decrease in sensitive teeth was perceived with increasing age, and an increase in self-perceived satisfaction with dental appearance, and a decrease in self-perceived problems with dental gaps between the ages of 60 and 78. These changes were, however, not statistically significant. Men experienced a higher proportion of discomfort with discolored teeth at age 78 than at 60 (Q = 9.09). CONCLUSIONS: Self-perceived oral health and orofacial appearance were relatively stable, with few changes over an 18-year follow-up.

Participants' Experiences of Being Treated for Peri-Implant Mucositis-A Qualitative Interview Study.

OBJECTIVE: To describe participants' experiences of being treated for peri-implant mucositis. METHODS: A qualitative study with nine individual, semistructured interviews was performed. The interview guide was based on a focus group interview. The participants had recently been treated for peri-implant mucositis on one dental implant in a randomised controlled trial (RCT). The treatment included information, oral hygiene instructions, nonsurgical treatment with Er:YAG laser or ultrasonic scaler and professional cleaning in several sessions over 6 months. The interviews performed were analysed using qualitative manifest and latent content analysis. RESULTS: The manifest results showed that learning how to brush the teeth, and repeated feedback, was appreciated, and increased the motivation to improve oral hygiene habits. Most participants experienced no discomfort from the treatment. The participants had an understanding that a longer treatment time was required to ensure the quality of the treatment. Respect and attention were important elements of the personal treatment. The latent results suggest that treatment with a laser or an ultrasonic scaler was not perceived as the most important part of the treatment. Participants felt that receiving information about the treatment process was more important; moreover, a person-centred approach gave a feeling of good and safe care. CONCLUSIONS: The present study highlights factors of importance in treatment of peri-implant mucositis with laser and ultrasonic scaler. A person-centred approach with respect and attention is important for a good and safe experience and may be important factors in future treatments.

Evaluation of the Oral Hygiene Ability Instrument (OHAI): Test of reliability.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the reliability of the new Oral Hygiene Ability Instrument (OHAI) developed to assess the cause of any inability for older adults to manage oral hygiene self-care. Oral hygiene is an important part of oral health. The inability to manage oral hygiene, combined with other risk factors, often results in poor oral health and impaired quality of life. A reliable OHAI could benefit preventive oral health care. METHODS: The preliminary OHAI uses 33 items in three parts: (I) interview, (II) clinical examination and (III) observation of oral hygiene activities. A total of 37 older adults participated in a test-retest study of Part I. Inclusion criteria were age ≥ 65 years, have at least one tooth and be able to oral hygiene self-care. The intra- and inter-rater reliability of parts II and III used films and photographs of OHAI assessments of 15 different individuals. These films/photographs were assessed twice by four dental professionals who had participated in the OHAI data collection. For statistical analyses of the reliability, per cent agreement, Krippendorff's alpha and E. Svensson's method were used. RESULTS: The test-retest for Part I items showed acceptable-to-good agreement and no systematic disagreement. In Part II, two items showed somewhat limited reliability. Part III showed good intra- and inter-rater reliability. CONCLUSION: The OHAI items seem stable and reliable for the intended sample, and the instrument may be a valuable tool to identify older adults at risk of impaired oral health. However, two items may need to be reformulated.

Oral Health Status at Age 60 and 72 Years-A Longitudinal Study.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated oral health status in 60-year-old individuals over 12 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data were obtained from The Swedish National Study on Aging and Care (SNAC). One hundred nineteen 60-year-old individuals (48% females) underwent a clinical and radiographic baseline examination (2001-2003) and follow-up examination in 2013-2015. For statistical analyses, paired t-tests and McNemar's test were performed. Statistical significance was determined at p < 0.05. RESULTS: At the 12-year follow-up, the mean number of teeth and the proportion of individuals having ≥ 20 teeth decreased (p < 0.001). The mean number of teeth with buccal/lingual and approximal caries lesions increased (p < 0.029 and p < 0.031). Individuals with a distance from the cement-enamel junction to the bone of ≥ 5 mm increased in total (p < 0.002) and in males (p < 0.006). The prevalence of gingivitis increased in total (p < 0.001). The prevalence of periodontitis showed a significant increase in total (p < 0.043) and in females (p < 0.039). CONCLUSION: The present study indicates that oral health status in 60-year-old individuals deteriorates over 12 years. However, the deteriorations were minor in terms of tooth loss, caries lesions, and changes in periodontal status.

Self-perceived oral health and orofacial appearance in an adult population, 60 years of age.

OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to compare self-perceived oral health and orofacial appearance in three different cohorts of 60-year-old individuals. METHOD: A cross-sectional design, based on data obtained from a questionnaire used in the Swedish National Study of Aging and Care. The sample comprised 478 individuals, from baseline, 2001-2003 (n = 191), 2007-2009 (n = 218) and 2014-2015 (n = 69). Comparisons were made within and between the cohorts, with bivariate analysis and Fisher's exact test. Statistical significance was considered at p < 0.05. RESULTS: The result showed that a low number of the participants reported self-perceived problems with oral health. Of the problems reported, a higher proportion in cohort 2014-2015 (39.3%) experienced problems with bleeding gums. The experience of bleeding gums increased between the cohorts 2001-2003 and 2014-2015 (p = 0.040) and between 2007-2009 and 2014-2015 (p = 0.017). The prevalence of discomfort with sensitive teeth was experienced in 7%-32%. Twice as many women compared to men experienced discomfort in all cohorts (no significant differences between the cohorts). Satisfaction with dental appearance was experienced in 75%-84%. Twice as many women compared to men were dissatisfied with their dental appearance in 2001-2003 (p = 0.011) and with discoloured teeth (p = 0.020). No significant differences could be seen between the cohorts regarding discomfort with dental appearance or discoloured teeth. CONCLUSION: The 60-year-olds irrespective of birth cohort, perceived their oral health and orofacial appearance as satisfactory.

Oral health status among 60-year-old individuals born in 1941-1943 and 1954-1955 and 81-year-old individuals born in 1922-1924 and 1933-1934, respectively: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to analyze the oral health status of four different birth cohorts: two cohorts of 60-year-olds born in 1941-1943 and 1954-1955 and 2 cohorts of 81-year-olds born in 1920-1922 and 1933-1934. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was based on data from an ongoing longitudinal population project, The Swedish National Study on Aging and Care (SNAC). Oral health status was repeatedly examined clinically and radiographically in 2001-2003 and 2014-2015, including 60- and 81-year-olds, in total 412 individuals. Statistical analyses were performed using independent-samples t test and Pearson's χ2 test. RESULTS: More individuals were dentate in 2014-2015 compared to 2001-2003 in the two age groups: 60 and 81 years (p < 0.001 for both). The mean number of teeth increased in the 60-year-olds from 24.2 to 27.0 and in the 81-year-olds from 14.3 to 20.2. The numbers of at least one intact tooth increased for both age groups (p < 0.001 and p < 0.004, respectively). In the age groups 81 years, there was an increase in having at least one PPD ≥ 6 mm (p < 0.016) and bone loss ≥ 5 mm (p < 0.029) between the two examinations. No such differences were found in the age groups of 60 years. CONCLUSION: Over 13 years, oral health improved for both 60- and 81-year-old age groups. The most significant changes were in the 81-year-olds where oral health had improved except for periodontal status. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: More natural teeth and impaired periodontal status potentially impact oral health and should increase focus on preventive and supportive dental care in older individuals.

Development of an instrument to assess oral hygiene ability in older adults: The oral hygiene ability instrument.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the development process of an instrument to assess the ability to manage daily oral hygiene and the cause of impaired oral hygiene. The instrument is initially aimed for use by the dental team in the ageing population. BACKGROUND: Oral hygiene is an important component of oral health. Inability to manage oral hygiene combined with other risk factors often results in poor oral health and impaired quality of life. METHODS: A guideline for instrument development was used during the construction of the instrument. The method included three phases: I. planning: the purpose and target group of the instrument were determined, and a literature review and qualitative focus-group study were conducted; II. construction: objectives were formulated, and a pool of items was built; and III. evaluation and validation, which included two pilot studies, interviews, item analyses and revision of the instrument. RESULTS: The planning and construction phases resulted in an instrument with 47 items comprising three parts: (a) interview, (b) clinical examination and (c) observation of activities of daily living (oral hygiene). After two pilot studies, the instrument was found to have good content validity. Analyses of qualitative and quantitative data resulted in a reduction in the number of items to 33. CONCLUSION: OHAI can be a valuable tool as a preventive method to identify older adults at risk of impaired oral health. However, the instrument needs further evaluation before wider use.

Occurrence of oral health problems and planned measures in dependent older people in nursing care.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVE: To describe oral health problems and planned measures in older people receiving nursing care. BACKGROUND: Poor oral health conditions have a negative impact on the quality of life of older people. Therefore, oral care is an important task in daily nursing activities. METHODS: Data were obtained from the web-based Swedish national quality register Senior Alert. Data regarding oral health status and planned measures in individuals ≥65 years from one county in Sweden between July 2014-June 2015 were included. The Revised Oral Assessment Guide-the Jönköping (ROAG-J) was used routinely by nursing staff in nursing care facilities to measure oral health status. RESULTS: Oral assessments were made on 2,567 individuals (65.7% women). The most common oral health problem was related to "Teeth" (43.0%), which indicates deficient oral hygiene and/or broken teeth. At least one measure was planned in all the participants. The most common planned measures were "Moistening of the mouth" (16.6%), followed by "Brushing - assistance or complete help" (13.5%). CONCLUSION: Oral health problems were common, and planned measures did not seem to be sufficient to address the identified problems. The results indicate that greater priority should be given to the oral health care of older people in nursing care. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: The study highlights the importance of not only identifying oral health problems but also having knowledge and strategies for oral health care. Collaboration is needed to support nurses in caring for the oral health care of older people in nursing homes.

Dental patients' perceptions and motivation in smoking cessation activities.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to investigate smokers' perceptions of and motivation for smoking cessation activities in dentistry. MATERIALS AND METHODS PATIENTS: who smoked were consecutively recruited from general as well as specialist dental care clinics in Sweden. After a dental visit the patients completed a questionnaire about self-perceived oral health, smoking habits, motivation, reasons to quit and not to quit smoking, support to quit, smoking cessation activities and questions about smoking asked by dentists and dental hygienists. RESULTS: The sample consisted of 167 adult patients (≥ 20 years) who smoked daily. During the last 6 months, 81% of the patients had experienced oral health problems. The most common complaints were discolourations of the teeth, periodontal problems and dry mouth (38%, 36% and 33%, respectively). Improved general health was a major reason to quit smoking (89%). It was also stated that it was important to avoid oral health problems. 71% of the patients preferred to quit by themselves and 16% wanted support from dentistry. High motivation to quit smoking was reported by 20%. Occurrence of periodontitis during the last 6 months was significantly associated with being highly motivated to stop smoking (OR = 3.0, 95% CI = 1.03-8.55). CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed that, although it was important to quit smoking to avoid oral health problems, the patients were not aware that tobacco cessation activities can be performed in dentistry. Periodontal problems seem to be the most motivating factor among the patients who were highly motivated to stop smoking.

Psychometric properties of the Dental Hygienist Anxiety Scale in a group of general dental patients.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Dental Hygienist Anxiety Scale (DHAS) in a sample of adult general dental patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The DHAS is a questionnaire adapted to assess fear and anxiety of dental hygienist (DH) treatment. The DHAS contains four items and the sum of scores range from 4 (no anxiety) to 20 (extreme fear). A convenient sample of 80 patients in treatment at two DH programs in Sweden were consecutively included in the study. The DHAS was distributed together with questions regarding self-perceived oral health and experience of dental care at the first visit after a clinical examination performed by a DH. Re-test assessments of DHAS were conducted ≈ 2 weeks later in conjunction with the next visit to the DH before treatment (scaling session). RESULTS: The results verified a significant positive correlation between the average DHAS sum of scores and global fear of DH and dentist treatment, perceived pain during the last DH treatment and female gender. The DHAS sum of scores had a high internal consistency, Cronbach's coefficient of 0.89 and 0.87 at the first and at the second assessment, respectively. The test-re-test reliability of the DHAS sum of scores was acceptable, with an intra-class coefficient of 0.82 and Kappa coefficients between 0.49-0.78 for the four single items in the DHAS. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the DHAS has acceptable psychometric proprieties and is a valid and reliable scale to assess anxiety in DH treatment.

Expectations and satisfaction with care for periodontal specialist patients.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate expectations on and satisfaction with treatment among patients referred for comprehensive treatment to specialist clinics in periodontology and to explore factors associated with satisfaction in regression analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients referred for comprehensive periodontal treatment were sampled for the study. The study was based on a questionnaire in a before-and-after design. The first questionnaire was sent to the patients before their first appointment at the specialist clinic. The second questionnaire was sent after ≈ 6 months. Three questions were used to measure expectations and four questions to measure satisfaction. The first questionnaire was sent to 273 patients with a response rate of 31% and the second questionnaire was sent to 85 patients with a response rate of 73%. In non-response analysis, no difference between respondents and non-respondents were detected as to age and gender. RESULTS: Many of the patients viewed it as important or very important to have healthy teeth (98%) and improved well-being (93%) after periodontal treatment. More than 50% of the patients were satisfied with the relation to the caregiver. When measuring the satisfaction in general, 42% indicated the highest score on the summarized Dental Visit Satisfaction Scale. Having confidence (p ≤ 0.001) and a good relation (p = 0.001) to the caregiver indicated higher satisfaction. CONCLUSION: Having a good relation to the caregiver and having confidence in the caregiver seems to indicate satisfied patients receiving periodontal treatment at periodontal clinics.

Knowledge of periodontitis and self-perceived oral health: a survey of periodontal specialist patients.

The aim of this study was to investigate changes in knowledge of periodontal disease among patients referred to periodontal specialist clinics. A further aim was to investigate the patients' self- perceived oral health before the treatment. Patients referred to five specialist clinics in periodontology for comprehensive periodontal treatment were consecutive sampled. The study was based on a questionnaire in a before and after design. The first questionnaire was sent to the patients before visiting the specialist clinic and the second was sent after six months. Four questions were analysed, two to measure knowledge about periodontitis and two to measure the patients self- perceived oral health. The first questionnaire was sent by post to 273 patients with a response rate of 31%. The second questionnaire was sent to 85 patients with a response rate of 73%. The results of the study showed a statistically significant improvement of correct answers on the knowledge questions after six months was found for scaling (p = 0.006), X-ray examination (p = 0.001) and increased space between the teeth (p = 0.001). The most frequent self-perceived trouble from the mouth was bleeding gum (70%) and sensitive teeth (51%). In conclusion knowledge of periodontitis improved after visiting the specialist clinic of periodontology. Many of the patients experienced some problems of the mouth.

Oral Health Status Using the Revised Oral Assessment Guide and Mortality in Older Orthopaedic Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Purpose: Orthogeriatric hospitalised patients with fractures of the lower limb constitute a vulnerable population with increased risk of morbidity, polypharmacy, and mortality as well as impaired oral health. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate whether any relationship existed between oral health issues in older orthopaedic patients and mortality. Material and Methods: The study population consisted of older orthopedic patients emergently admitted to a hospital in southern Sweden due to mainly fractures of the hip. Their oral health at admission was assessed by trained nurses using the revised oral assessment guide (ROAG), as well as examined by dental hygienists. Medical and demographic data were collected from medical records and mortality from the national population registry. Comorbidity was assessed using the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). Data were analysed using foremost dichotomized data derived from mean values and then processed using multiple logistic regression adjusted for identified probable confounders. Results: Of the 187 study patients (≥65 years) with a mean age of 81 (SD 7.9) years, 71% were women, mean CCI score was 6.7 and 90-days mortality 12.3%. Oral health issues (ROAG >8, 73%) consisted mainly of problems with teeth/dentures (41%), tongue (36%), lips (35%), and saliva (28%). In patients with any oral health impairment (ROAG >8) the 90-days mortality was significantly increased (p=0.040), using logistic regression analysis adjusted for age, gender, comorbidity, and use of ≥5 drugs. In patients with a ROAG score ≥10 (≥mean) the association remained at 90-days (p=0.029) and 180-days (p=0.013). Decayed teeth were present in 24% and was significantly associated with ROAG >8 (p=0.020). Conclusion: The main finding of this study was a possible relationship between oral health impairment at admission and early mortality in orthogeriatric hospitalised patients. The opportunity to identify their oral health problems can help improving further care planning and care.

Tobacco cessation interventions by Swedish dental hygienists--a questionnaire study.

The aim of the study was to investigate tobacco cessation interventions by Swedish dental hygienists and their perception of the importance of tobacco cessation to oral health. A questionnaire was mailed to 400 randomly selected dental hygienists (DH) in Sweden. The questions covered such topics as tobacco cessation interventions, perceived barriers, and their perception of the importance of tobacco cessation in relation to caries, gingivitis, periodontitis and dental implants. The response rate was 57%. Tobacco habits were routinely recorded by 94% of the respondents. 52% of the dental hygienists reported time constraints, 50% reported insufficient competence and 43% answered that they had lack of experience to work with tobacco cessation. All respondents perceived tobacco cessation to be an important determinant of treatment outcomes in patients with dental implants and periodontitis. Bivariate analysis showed an association between training courses in tobacco cessation and tobacco cessation interventions (OR 3.25, CI 95% 1.80-5.85). A logistic multivariate regression model disclosed two other factors significantly correlated with tobacco cessation interventions: competence (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.16-4.85), and experience (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.06-4.28). The analyses were adjusted for age, length of undergraduate training course, and dental care organization. The dental hygienists considered tobacco cessation to be very important in patients with periodontitis and in those with dental implants. Most of the DH in this study undertook some tobacco cessation interventions, though not extensive; the main barriers reported were lack of time, competence and experience.

Impaired Oral Health in Older Orthopaedic In-Care Patients: The Influence of Medication and Morbidity.

INTRODUCTION: Fall-related injuries are prevalent in older patients and often lead to increased morbidity, medication, and impaired functions. We studied older trauma patients with the aim to describe their oral health in comparison to morbidity and medication. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 198 patients, ≥65 years, admitted with an orthopedic trauma. Oral examinations included number of natural teeth, dental implants, missing, decayed and restored teeth, root remnants, and pocket depth. Data on comorbidities and medication were assembled. Statistical analyses were carried out with logistic regression models, adjusted for age, gender, comorbidity, and polypharmacy. RESULTS: Overall, 198 patients participated, 71% women, mean age 81 years (±7.9), 85% resided in their own homes, 86% had hip fractures. Chronic diseases and drug use were present in 98.9%, a mean of 6.67 in Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), 40% heart diseases, 17% diabetes, and 14% dementia. Ninety-one percent were dentate (181), mean number of teeth 19.2 (±6.5), 24% had decayed teeth, 97% filled teeth, 44% <20 teeth, and 26% oral dryness. DFT (decayed, filled teeth) over mean were identified in patients with diabetes (p=0.037), COPD (p=0.048), polypharmacy (p=0.011), diuretics (p=0.007), and inhalation drugs (p=0.032). Use of ≥2 strong anticholinergic drugs were observed in patients with <20 teeth and DFT over mean (p=0.004, 0.003). Adjusted for age, gender, CCI, and polypharmacy. CONCLUSION: The study showed that impaired oral health was prevalent in older trauma patients and that negative effects on oral health were significantly associated with chronic diseases and drug use. The results emphasize the importance of identifying orthogeriatric patients with oral health problems and to stress the necessity to uphold good oral care during a period when functional decline can be expected.

Oral Assessment and Preventive Actions within the Swedish Quality Register Senior Alert: Impact on Frail Older Adults' Oral Health in a Longitudinal Perspective.

Poor oral health is common among older people in nursing homes. To identify and prevent oral health problems among the residents, ROAG-J (Revised Oral Assessment Guide-Jönköping), a risk-assessment instrument, is used by nursing staff routinely, and the outcome is registered in the web-based Swedish quality register Senior Alert. This study aims to investigate the preventive actions registered when oral health problems are identified and the effect of these actions longitudinally. ROAG-J data registered at nursing homes in Sweden during 2011-2016 were obtained from the Senior Alert database. Out of 52,740 residents (≥65 years), 41% had oral health problems, of whom 62% had preventive actions registered. The most common action was "Assistance with cleaning teeth". Longitudinally, during the five-year observation period, a slight increase in oral health problems assessed with ROAG-J was found. Registered preventive actions, however, led to significant improvement in the subsequent assessment for the ROAG items lips, tongue, and dentures. Standardised risk assessments like ROAG-J provide an opportunity to detect problems early and establish preventive actions. The study, however, indicates a further need for structured education and a continuous follow-up in ROAG-J. Moreover, increased collaboration between nursing and dental care to improve oral health for older residents at nursing homes is needed.

Oral health among older adults in nursing homes: A survey in a national quality register, the Senior Alert.

AIM: To investigate the extent to which the Revised Oral Assessment Guide-Jönköping (ROAG-J) is used by nursing staff routinely in nursing homes in Sweden and to describe oral health status of the residents. DESIGN: An observational, retrospective register-based study. METHODS: Data from different validated health assessments instruments, including ROAG-J, for the period 2011-2016 were obtained from the Web-based national quality register Senior Alert. The basis for the analyses was 190,016 assessments. RESULTS: About half of all residents had underwent at least one annual ROAG-J assessment (2014-2016). During the period 2011-2016, 42% of the residents (n = 92,827) were registered to have oral health problems. Significantly more oral health problems were found for men and for those with younger age, poorer physical condition, neurophysiological problems, underweight, impaired mobility and many medications. In conclusion, poorer oral health was found for more care-dependent individuals, which shows a need of preventive actions.

Recommendations by dental staff and use of toothpicks, dental floss and interdental brushes for approximal cleaning in an adult Swedish population.

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the recommendations relating to the use of approximal cleaning aids given by dental hygienists and dentists, the self-care practices in a Swedish population and the ability to remove dental plaque. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A structured questionnaire was randomly distributed to 500 dental hygienists and 500 dentists and a similar questionnaire was distributed to 1000 randomly selected individuals, divided equally into the following age groups: 15 to 20, 21 to 40, 41 to 60 and > 60 years. A clinical examination evaluating the ability to remove approximal dental plaque was also carried out in a total of 60 regular users of approximal cleaning aids. Plaque was scored before and after cleaning with a toothpick, dental floss or an interdental brush. RESULTS: The response rate was 82%, 79% and 68% for the three groups. The results reveal that dental hygienists give more detailed information about a majority of the aspects that are related to the use of approximal cleaning aids compared with dentists (P < 0.01 or P < 0.001). The majority of the dental staff give recommendations to children and adolescents firstly to prevent dental caries and to older individuals to improve periodontal health. The use of different approximal cleaning aids on a daily basis varied with respect to age group (2% to 42%); dental floss dominated in the younger age groups and interdental brushes in the two oldest groups. In the clinical study, the largest plaque reduction was produced by the interdental brush (83%), followed by toothpicks (74%) and dental floss (73%). CONCLUSIONS: The present study indicated the importance of individual recommendations related to the use of approximal cleaning aids.

Oral impacts on daily performances: associations with self-reported general health and medication.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to examine the impact of general diseases and medication on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in a Swedish adult population using the Swedish version of Oral Impacts on Daily Performances (OIDP). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A three-site sample of 200 adults (20-86 years; participation rate 70%) was interviewed using the OIDP, and a medical anamnesis was performed in 2006-7. A self-reported questionnaire provided complementary socio-economic data. RESULTS: The burden of medical diagnoses and medications was greatest among the older participants in the study. The mean number of medicines in regular users was: ≥60 years, 3.6 (SD 2.6); 40-59 years, 1.9 (SD 1.5); and 20-40 years, 1.9 (SD 1.8) (p =0.013). There were no gender differences in general health or medication variables. Self-reported health, medical diagnoses and medication were significantly and consistently associated with the OIDP score: subjects with ≥1 diagnosis, OR 2.22 (95% CI 1.19-4.14) and subjects with ≥1 medicines, OR 1.85 (95% CI 1.01-3.40) versus those without diagnoses or medication. However, there was a clear gradient: OIDP scores increased with increasing numbers of diagnoses and medicines. CONCLUSION: The Swedish version of the OIDP was found useful for measuring impacts of general health and medication on OHRQoL. Dental care should pay special attention to patients with medical conditions or who are on medication, because these patients are more likely to experience oral impacts on daily performances.