Oral Healthcare and the Frail Elder

Oral healthcare is an integral part of overall health and well-being, and it is a significant and increasing challenge as people grow frail. Incidence of caries and gingivitis among residents of long-term care facilities are on the rise, and daily oral hygiene is often difficult for patients who are frail or in need of assistance. Oral Healthcare and the Frail Elder: A Clinical Perspective provides dentists, dental hygienists, and other healthcare professionals with comprehensive, practical instruction on managing the multifaceted oral healthcare needs of frail elders. By discussing background information and relevant literature, the book provides a holistic approach to clinical issues such as oral pain, dry mouth, and periodontal disease. Edited by experts in the field, Oral Healthcare and the Frail Elder enhances clinical application with thorough reviews of pertinent social and ethical issues, access to care issues, and the practicalities for overcoming these in order to provide high-quality oral healthcare to an aging population. Key Features: Provides necessary background information as well as clinical and practical instruction on managing the oral health of frail elders. Situates oral healthcare in the context of multidisciplinary management Features Clinical Scenarios in each chapter illustrating immediate, practical application of topics discussed Discusses social and ethical issues such as body image, social interactions, effective communication, and ethno-cultural diversity