Assessing the Effectiveness of Oral Health Screening and Education in Preventing Dental Complications in Hospitalized Elderly Patients: A Multidisciplinary Approach

Authors: Shaheinaz A. Alkahtani, Mada A. Alaniz, Abeer S. Al Tuwaijri, Alwaleed F. Alharthi, Amjad A. Alonazi, Khaled A. Almotairi, Ohoud M. Albedeiwy, Sondos A. Alhaidari, Nawaf A. Alshammari

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14013167

Short DOI: https://doi.org/g8pqsp

Country: Saudi Arabia

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Abstract: Background: Oral health complications are common among hospitalized elderly patients and can lead to systemic health issues if not addressed. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a multidisciplinary intervention involving oral health screening, education, and laboratory diagnostics in preventing dental complications in elderly inpatients.

Methods: A total of 120 elderly patients (aged 65+) admitted to a tertiary hospital participated in the study. Oral health screenings were conducted at admission and discharge, patient education was provided by social workers, and laboratory diagnostics monitored systemic markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP). Changes in oral health status, incidence of dental complications, and systemic inflammation were analyzed.

Results: Significant improvements in oral health indicators, such as plaque index and gingival index, were observed from admission to discharge (p < 0.001). The incidence of oral infections decreased from 16.7% to 4.2%, and xerostomia from 29.2% to 10.0%. CRP levels also decreased significantly (p < 0.001), indicating reduced systemic inflammation. Patient compliance with oral hygiene practices improved, with 79.2% regularly brushing at discharge.

Conclusion: The multidisciplinary intervention significantly improved oral and systemic health outcomes, highlighting the importance of integrating oral health care into hospital-based elderly patient management.

Keywords: The multidisciplinary intervention significantly improved oral and systemic health outcomes, highlighting the importance of integrating oral health care into hospital-based elderly patient management.

Paper Id: 231448

Published On: 2024-03-05

Published In: Volume 12, Issue 2, March-April 2024

Cite This: Assessing the Effectiveness of Oral Health Screening and Education in Preventing Dental Complications in Hospitalized Elderly Patients: A Multidisciplinary Approach - Shaheinaz A. Alkahtani, Mada A. Alaniz, Abeer S. Al Tuwaijri, Alwaleed F. Alharthi, Amjad A. Alonazi, Khaled A. Almotairi, Ohoud M. Albedeiwy, Sondos A. Alhaidari, Nawaf A. Alshammari - IJIRMPS Volume 12, Issue 2, March-April 2024. DOI 10.5281/zenodo.14013167

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