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Oral Health
Directions
Upon completion of this module, especially the role-play videos following each of the case histories nursing and dental hygiene students will have the knowledge to provide oral health risk assessments and health promotion education for their patients. To access a guide for use during direct patient care that includes pictures, graphics to print out please use the tool bar above to advance the pages that begin with oral health risk assessment questions and cover the caries and periodontal disease processes, and a chart of oral disease prevention recommendations.
"Healthy Smile Healthy You"
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Oral Health is Necessary for Overall Health
Are you experiencing pain or discomfort in your mouth?
When is the last time you went to the dentist?
What do you do to take care of your teeth?
What do you typically drink and eat during the day/night?
Do you drink fluoridated water from the tap/faucet?
Dental caries is an infectious disease; decay-causing bacteria is transferred from caregiver to baby. When bacteria combine with sugars in food, acid is produced that results in cavities/holes in the teeth. Dental decay can extend to adulthood.
Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums. It is non-destructive, but if left untreated, can progress to periodontitis.
Periodontitis is a bacterial infection of the supporting structures of the teeth. Plaque bacteria builds up on the gums, hardens into calculus/tarter, if not removed (with dental cleanings) it results in a loss of bone surrounding the teeth, teeth become loose and can result in tooth loss.
Recommend to patients to secure a dental home!
Strategies to Prevent Oral Diseases |
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Dental Caries /Tooth Decay |
Periodontal Disease |
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Integrating oral health into overall health care will help prevent and control diseases for numerous patient populations. We hope you found this module informative and easy to use and will join teams of healthcare providers who strive to improve population health by incorporating these concepts into your practice philosophy upon graduation.