NUTRITION AND DENTAL HYGIENE IN THE ELDERLY - Essay Example

Nutrition and Dental Hygiene in the elderly In order to assist the elderly in his dental care, it is important to explain to the patient what is to be done for him and for his teeth. It is also important to speak in soft and soothing tones while the brushing or flossing is being carried out (Paterson, 2000). In brushing, a soft bristle toothbrush must be used; a gentle circular motion must also be applied on the teeth; and the tongue must not be brushed because it can cause irritation, instead the tongue must be scraped with a tongue scraper (Paterson, 2000).

Efforts to help them independently brush can be made by strapping their toothbrush on their hand with a wide elastic band; enlarging brush handles by taping it to a sponge; and lengthening the handle of toothbrushes through tongue depressors. Automatic flossers can be used to help them floss; or while flossing their teeth for them, music can be played or the TV can be turned off to provide some distraction (Paterson, 2000). For those with dentures, their gums and the roofs of their mouths must be gently brushed with toothpaste for the removal of plaque and for the stimulation of gums; their dentures must be cleaned daily and all residues of food removed (Paterson, 2000).

In order to improve the oral health of the elderly, a nutritional assessment must first be carried out in order to determine the patient’s diet and determine if he is taking in the proper foods to remain healthy. The patient’s daily water intake must also be evaluated. The goal for the patient is for him to receive and achieve an energy intake of from 30 to 40kcal/kg/day and a protein intake 1.2 to 1.5 g protein/kg/day (Haute Autorite de Sante, 2007). The French National Nutrition Health Program is also recommended for these patients.

This program includes: meat, fish or eggs at 2 servings per day; milk and dairy products at 3-4 servings a day; bread and other cereal products at each meal; atleast 5 portions of fruit and vegetables a day; 1-1.5 liters of eater a day; increased eating frequency during the day; and providing high energy foods for the patient. Works Cited Nutritional support strategy for protein-energy malnutrition in the elderly (2007). Haute Autorite de Sante. Retrieved 27 March 2011 from http://www.has-sante.

fr/portail/upload/docs/application/pdf/malnutrition_elderly_guidelines.pdf Paterson, D. (2006). Daily Dental Care Tips for the Elderly. Dental Gentle Care. Retrieved 27 March 2011 from http://www.dentalgentlecare.com/dental_care_in_nursing_home.htm#Updates%20on%20Elderly%20and%20Dental%20Health