This study was conducted to assess which factors were related to the ability of elderly residents of nursing homes to use dentures. For 205 patients in two nursing homes in Chuou-ku, Tokyo, dentists and caregivers examined oral status (caries, status of restoration, missing teeth and occlusal support) as well as denture use, Activities of Daily Living (ADL), ability to rinse the mouth, and degree of dementia. Fifty percent of subjects lacked dentures. Seven items were selected for variance in factor analysis. There was a significant relationship between denture use and all analyzed items except age. The items which proved to be significant, included the number of remaining teeth, the ability to rinse, communication, ability to dress/undress, ability to transfer, and eating (Fisher's exact test). A multiple stepwise logistic regression analysis showed that the nonuse of dentures was significantly related to dressing (p<0.01), the number of remaining crowns (p<0.01) and the ability to rinse the mouth (p<0.0001). The nonuse of dentures was also related to the number of remaining teeth and to the disability of hand and oral functions.

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to investigate the influences of rehydration and food consumption on salivary flow, pH, and buffering capacity during bicycle ergometer exercise in participants.MethodsTen healthy volunteers exercised on a bicycle ergometer at 80% of their maximal heart rate. These sessions lasted for two periods of 20 min separated by 5-min rest intervals. Volunteers were subjected to one of the following conditions: (1) no water (mineral water) or food consumption, (2) only water for rehydration, (3) water and food consumption, (4) a sports drink only for rehydration, and (5) rehydration with a sports drink and food. Statistical significance was assessed using one-way analysis of variance and Dunnett’s test (p < 0.05).ResultsThe salivary pH decreased significantly during and after exercise in conditions 4 and 5. The salivary buffering capacity decreased significantly during exercise and/or after the exercise in conditions 1, 3, 4, and 5.ConclusionsThe results showed that salivary pH and buffering capacity decreased greatly depending on the combination of a sports drink and food.

The purpose of this study was to identify the risk factors associated with low peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO 2 ) and delayed recovery of dental patients with disabilities after intravenous sedation. A total of 1213 patients with disabilities were retrospectively investigated with respect to demographic parameters and sedation conditions. Multivariate logistic analyses were conducted for patients with an SpO 2 ,90% and a recovery period of .60 minutes to identify the risk factors for poor sedation conditions. A significant odds ratio related to decreased SpO 2 was observed for age, sex, midazolam and propofol levels, concurrent use of nitrous oxide, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and mental retardation. The most problematic patients were those diagnosed with Down syndrome (odds ratio, 3.003-7.978; 95% confidence interval; P , .001). Decision tree analysis showed an increased risk of decreased SpO 2 in males with Down syndrome or after administration of .0.493 mg/kg propofol in combination with midazolam. An increased risk of delayed awakening was seen in patients aged less than 21 years and in males administered .0.032 mg/kg of midazolam. Intravenous sedation for dental patients with disabilities, particularly those with cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, or mental retardation, increases the risk of decreased SpO 2 . In addition, delayed recovery is expected after midazolam administration.

The results suggested a high oral care awareness amongst caregiver managers and an inadequate oral care training system. To improve oral health of the dependent elderly, theoretical teaching alone is not sufficient when providing oral health education and a positive contact with the dental team, especially dental hygienists, is an important factor which supports oral care provided by caregivers.

The participants of this study had a high motivation for regular dental check-ups, but were concerned about the future, particularly if they became bedridden.