Getting dental hygiene to seniors

As we age or become homebound due to illness, one of the things that often get neglected is dental hygiene. Even being in a wheelchair, it's next to impossible to get yourself to a dentist's office, much less into a dental chair to have any work done on your teeth.

To the rescue is Linda Robinson, a registered dental hygienist with an expanded practice permit, who provides in-home dental hygiene care. She has 35 years experience in dental hygiene, including the last 14 years in Bend. She recently branched out on her own seeing patients in Central Oregon from Prineville to La Pine to Sisters, and volunteers for the Kiwanis Dental Van with Medical Teams International.

"I always loved working with seniors," Robinson says, "and what I found was that as their health declines, especially with dementia patients, they tend to brush less often and forget to make appointments for routine dental visits. I'm here to help fill that need."

Since 1998, dental cleaning has been allowed in nursing homes, but now hygienists can go anywhere. Besides nursing homes, Robinson frequents memory care facilities, foster homes, residential care facilities and home-bound residents in private homes. She can work on a patient in their bed, sitting in a recliner or in a wheelchair.

Dental hygiene services include: dental cleanings, full-mouth screenings and exams, oral cancer exams, and application of fluoride varnish to help prevent tooth decay. She also teaches oral hygiene care to patients and their caregivers.

Early detection through screenings can deter problems in the early stages. Over 95 percent of seniors have lost some gum tissue, exposing tooth root surfaces that are susceptible to decay. There are also some medications and treatments, like radiation and chemotherapy, that reduce saliva, the body's natural defense against cavities, leaving the patient more susceptible to tooth decay.

Known as "dry mouth," it is the feeling there is not enough saliva in the mouth. Everyone has it once in a while - if they are nervous, upset or under stress. But if you have it all or most of the time, it can be a sign of a serious health problem. It is not a normal part of aging and should be checked out.

Studies show that bacteria causing decay and gum disease may also contribute to many systemic diseases including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, liver and kidney diseases and respiratory infections. If something suspicious is seen, Robinson will recommend a dentist see the patient. If they do not have one, she refers to a dentist who will make house calls to provide an exam and limited treatment.

For patients with dentures, she recommends periodic exams. Dentures that are not properly cleaned daily can lead to several gum diseases, including yeast infections of the gums, sores due to improperly fitting dentures and some oral cancers. Denture cleaning is included with an oral exam.

Robinson is a provider for several insurance companies and will bill insurance companies for qualifying patients.

For more information, contact Linda Robinson at 541-312-3375 or [email protected]