The effectiveness of oral hygiene programmes for elderly people--a review

Comprehensive oral health care is an essential feature of quality of life. In the near future, a greater number of elderly people will retain more natural teeth, whether or not supplemented by prosthetic provisions, and/or may be provided with implants. As a consequence, oral self-care will be much more demanding. Prevention must reduce the greater risk of oral disease for elderly people. Effective early intervention strategies are: promotion of over-all general health, obviation of stereotypes, education by dental hygienists, instruction and demonstration combined with systematic evaluation, use of a fluoride containing dentifrice, and regular professional support and use of chlorhexidine rinses for less well and confused elderly.