Dental Tech Group
Bacteria growth in an oral cavity can be aspirated into the lung and cause respiratory diseases such as pneumonia, which is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in older people. Poor appearance and dental incapacity can also lead to low self-esteem and social isolation. There is a particular need to educate people caring for the older people, family members and the elderly themselves on the risks of poor oral health, the increased impact on health due to poor oral health and then how with simple practical and daily routines this can greatly be improved.
The Solution from Dental Tech
Dental Tech Group has developed a digital and practical educational programme on Oral Health Care for the ageing population centres and the awareness of the risks of not taking action. This HIHI project concentrates on the basic and routine oral daily care with simple practical solutions including; how to prop open the mouth, to brush teeth without getting bitten or when there is limited mouth opening, to correctly clean someone’s dentures and the risks of not cleaning regularly including dry mouth issues. HIHI would like to acknowledge the assistance and advice from Dr. Martina Hayes, Senior Lecturer in Restorative Dentistry Cork University Dental School and Hospital and Prof. Corina Naughton, Professor of Older Person’s Healthcare, School of Nursing and Midwifery and the South/SouthWest Hospital Group.
The Next Steps
HIHI plans to pilot the educational tool in Hospital / Nursing Home settings in a follow on project.