NUTRITION AND DENTAL HYGIENE IN THE ELDERLY Essay

NUTRITION AND DENTAL HYGIENE IN THE ELDERLY - Essay Example Efforts to help them independently brush can be made by strapping their toothbrush on their hand with a wide elastic band; enlarging brush handles by taping it to a sponge; and lengthening the handle of toothbrushes through tongue depressors. Automatic flossers can be used to help them floss; or while flossing their teeth for them, music can be played or the TV can be turned off to provide some distraction (Paterson, 2000). For those with dentures, their gums and the roofs of their mouths must be gently brushed with toothpaste for the removal of plaque and for the stimulation of gums; their dentures must be cleaned daily and all residues of food removed (Paterson, 2000). In order to improve the oral health of the elderly, a nutritional assessment must first be carried out in order to determine the patient’s diet and determine if he is taking in the proper foods to remain healthy. The patient’s daily water intake must also be evaluated. The goal for the patient is for hi m to receive and achieve an energy intake of from 30 to 40kcal/kg/day and a protein intake 1.2 to 1.5 g protein/kg/day (Haute Autorite de Sante, 2007). The French National Nutrition Health Program is also recommended for these patients.