Dental Hygiene

All residents living in long-term care facilities require access to oral health care (both daily and annual professional treatments.) As experts now know, the mouth is truly a gateway to the rest of the body. Healthy teeth, soft tissues, and a disease-free environment make it easier for the immune system to combat other forms of systemic health problems.

Dental care for the patient with no natural teeth.

Someone without any remaining natural teeth is said to be “edentulous.” Even if such a person is wearing a full set of removable dentures, they should be seen routinely by a dentist. Such visits allow their prosthesis to be adjusted, repaired, or relined when necessary. Wearing a denture full time without the proper maintenance can result in advanced bone loss. This change in the jaw structure will cause the denture to fit poorly, resulting in problems like:

• Sore spots or bruising
• Rapid destruction of bone
• An inability to eat comfortably, and thereby maintain proper weight
• Difficulty speaking
• Loss of confidence or self-esteem

An increased risk of airway diseases

Most recently, oral infections such as gum disease or improperly cleaned dentures have been discovered as a source of potential airway diseases, like pneumonia. The risk occurs when oral bacterial levels are high, allowing them to be inhaled through the airway and deposit directly into the lungs.

Promoting good oral health is beneficial to a senior’s physical and emotional well-being. It is a key step in maintaining optimal overall health.

Turn to the specialists

At Golden Care Dental Services, we provide over 100 long-term residential facilities with on-site oral health services. This is more convenient to the patients as well as the facility managers. Through the help of modern technology, we can bring old fashioned service straight to the patient at no extra cost to the facility. We have over 30 years of experience and over 80% of our facilities have used our services for three years or more.