Developing an instrument to support oral care in the elderly.

Yasunori Sumi*, Kazuki Nakajima, Toshiyo Tamura, Masahiro Nagaya, Yukihiro Michiwaki

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

10 Scopus citations

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The dramatic increase in the number of dependent elderly in developed countries has created a great need for their improved oral care. However, optimal oral care by caregivers is not possible because of time constraints, difficulty involved in brushing other individuals' teeth, lack of co-operation, and the lack of perceived need. Therefore, the development of an effective instrument simplifying and supporting oral care to relieve the strain on caregivers is a matter of some urgency. PURPOSE: In order to clean the mouths of elderly dependent patients, we have developed a new oral care support instrument (an electric toothbrush in combination with an antibacterial-agent supply and suction system). The purpose of the present study was to develop and evaluate a new oral care support instrument. METHODS: a) Plaque removal study: The plaque- removing ability of this new instrument in 70 outpatients was compared with the Plak Control D9011 (Braun Gillette Japan Inc.) as a control by means of the Turesky modification of the Quigley and Hein plaque index. b) Clinical study: The subjects were 10 dependent elderly who received oral care using the new oral care support instrument for two weeks. The plaque and gingival indices were used for clinical evaluations. RESULTS: a) Plaque removal study: Brushing with the new oral care support instrument removed significantly more plaque than with the Plak Control D9011. b) Clinical study: The new oral care support instrument allows a more effective removal of dental plaque and shows a significant improvement in the gingival indices in dependent elderly. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that the new oral care support instrument is effective and can be recommended for oral care in the dependent elderly.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)3-8
Number of pages6
JournalGerodontology
Volume20
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 2003/07

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Dentistry
  • Geriatrics and Gerontology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Developing an instrument to support oral care in the elderly.'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this