The Prevention of Infections in Older Adults: Oral Health

Abstract

The oral cavity is exposed to the external environment and from a very young age is colonized by infectious agents. Under certain circumstances including poor oral hygiene, dry mouth, trauma, and the use of antibiotics, oral infections can occur. They can result in damage to the oral cavity including teeth and their support structures. Oral infections can also lead to the extension of infection into surrounding tissues and to systemic infections. Chronic oral infection is a recognized risk factor for heart disease. Older adults are at high risk for oral infections and associated complications. Tooth loss, for which infection is the most significant cause, leads to cosmetic changes and a decreased ability to masticate certain foods that can lead to malnutrition. Chronic oral infections and the manipulation of teeth and supporting structures can lead to the hematogenous spread of infection including the infection of artificial joints and endocardial implants. Good oral hygiene, the use of fluoride, regular dental care, and the appropriate use of antibiotics can all reduce oral infections and their associated complications. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:411–416, 2020

Tratamento cirúrgico de fratura de mandíbula atrófica severamente deslocada: relato de caso

“…Desta forma, o Brasil passa por um processo de transição demográfica e Antes, Schneider & D'orsi (2015) preveem que estaremos entre os seis países com o maior número de idosos até 2025. Sabe-se que com o envelhecimento populacional, há também uma diminuição da higienização bucal e aumento de doenças orais (cárie e/ou doença periodontal), devido à incapacidade motora, baixa autoestima e/ou uso de drogas, o que leva a perda de dentes nos indivíduos idosos (Caldas, Caldas, Oliveira, Amorim & Barros, 2005;Emam, Ferguson & Jatana, 2017;Coll et al, 2020).…”

Practical aspects of infective endocarditis prevention

“…Кроме того, больным, имеющим промежуточный или высокий риск ИЭ, следует рекомендовать соблюдать мероприятия по дентальной и кожной гигиене [49]. Эти меры по общей гигиене применимы для больных и работников здравоохранения и идеально подходят для населения в целом, учитывая тот факт, что ИЭ развивается и без кардиальных ФР (таблица 2) [18].…”

Antimicrobial activities of mouthwashes obtained from various combinations of Elettaria cardamomum Maton., Lavandula angustifolia Mill. and Salvia triloba L. essential oils

“…The oral mucosa can be colonized by several opportunistic pathogens. More specifically, the healthy oral cavity can be colonized by fungi, viruses, and while bacteria being the most predominant (Coll et al, 2020). Various local and systemic factors such as smoking, pregnancy, diet, nutrition, age and oral hygiene, increase the amount of indigenous bacteria causing various oral infections.…”