CDA Essentials 2019 • Volume 6 • Issue 7

29 Issue 7 | 2019 | N ews and E vents NewOral Health Care Resources for Seniors and Caregivers The Ontario Dental Association (ODA) has developed several oral health care brochures and guides for seniors and their caregivers, including those who work with residents of long-term care (LTC) facilities. Canadians are living longer, healthier lives, and seniors are a rapidly growing demographic. There are oral health challenges specific to seniors such as decreased daily oral care routines, limited access to professional care, and medications that affect oral health. “Our seniors entering care now are different from seniors of previous generations,” says Dr. Janet Leith of Nepean, Ontario, chair of ODA’s Health Policy and Government Relations advisory committee. “Gone are the days when seniors largely had full dentures, rendering mouth care very simple. These days, seniors will often have a full or at least partial dentition that can include advanced dentistry such as dental implants, fixed bridges and partial dentures. They require more advanced mouth care that involves some special skills and tools.” Research shows links between oral disease and other health problems, particularly respiratory illness in older adults. It also shows many health, social and psychological rewards to making good oral health part of the aging process. “The most critical information provided in these resources is that oral health has a critical impact on overall health,” says Dr. Leith. “Developing infections or complicated oral health issues when a senior is in long-term care or declining health can often be difficult to manage.” ODA’s brochures and guides offer instructions for, and explain the significant benefits of, senior oral care in an accessible format. The guide for personal support workers in LTC facilities provides step-by-step directions for oral health routines illustrated with photographs of techniques, tools, and oral health problems that may require intervention from a dentist. “It will be necessary to rethink existing oral care programs within overall nursing plans,” says Dr. Leith. “Education and planning will be critical to maintain our seniors’ oral health as part of their overall health.” Access these resources at oda.ca/seniors97/ tips-for-caregivers The resources include:  Brochures • Oral Health Care for Older Adults • Caring for Dentures: Tips for Seniors and Caregivers • Oral Inspection Tips for Caregivers • Caring for Natural Teeth: Tips for Seniors and Caregivers  Webinars • Part 1: Importance of Good Oral Health • Part 2: Daily Mouth Care  Personal SupportWorkers’ Guide • Seniors’ Oral Care: Providing Oral Hygiene Care to Residents of Ontario Long-Term Care Homes: A Guide for Personal Support Workers These materials were produced with the help of external partners, including the British Columbia Dental Association (BCDA) who created the original brochures and webinars and allowed the ODA to adapt them. a