IMPACT OF POOR ORAL HYGIENE ON DENTAL AND GENERAL HEALTH AMONG THE ELDERLY

Dental health problems abound especially among the elderly which could be attributed to poor oral hygiene due to either lifestyle or infection. The oral cavity can be a bacterial breeding ground and when oral hygiene is neglected or ignored it will eventually lead to some dental health problems. This paper focused on the dental health problems associated with poor oral hygiene practices and its general health implication among the elderly. The dental health problems as reviewed by the paper were periodontal disease, dental caries, receding gums, edentulism, xerostomia (dry mouth) and oral cancer. Also, the pape r discussed some general health problems associated with poor oral hygiene such as cardiovascular diseases, Diabetes Mellitus, stroke, kidney disease, dementia, adverse pregnancy outcome, aspiration pneumonia and stomach ulcer. Based on this review, the author recommended that Dental and general health professionals should carry out adequate oral health sensitization as regards promoting good oral and general health of the elderly through community-based enlightenment programmes. Also, individuals especially the elderly should visit the dental clinic for checkups and professional dental cleaning for at least twice a year.