Oral hygiene habits are necessary not only to take care of personal image, but also to prevent some diseases. We have asked dental hygienists what oral hygiene recommendations they have for this group of patients. 

“The use of electric toothbrushes or irrigators is recommended” 
JOSÉ ANTONIO CARLES; Dental Hygienist, Puerto Real (Cádiz) 

“As life expectancy increases, it gets more and more difficult for older people to maintain optimal oral hygiene habits. The problems these people face include loss of manual dexterity because of certain diseases such as arthritis, arthrosis... In these cases it is recommendable to use electric toothbrushes or irrigators. And dentin sensitivity, due to gingival recession and root surface caries. For this, specific sensitivity toothpastes should be used.” 

“Both partially edentulous patients and patients who preserve their natural teeth need to receive a dental prophylaxis once per year” 
ESPERANZA EXPÓSITO; Dental Hygienist, Córdoba 

“We must consider two groups: completely or partially edentulous patients and patients who preserve their natural teeth. The completely edentulous patients need to have their mucosa examined every 6 months and their dentures reviewed every 2 years. Specific products are recommended for dentures to be carefully cleaned at least once per day. Partially edentulous patients need to receive a dental exam every 6 months to prevent the appearance of root surface caries. They must also use toothpastes and mouthrinses specifically for their age and for the diseases from which they possibly suffer: hypertension, diabetes, platelet inhibitor intake, etc., and they should thoroughly clean their dentures. Patients with natural teeth should undertake the same hygiene habits as previously mentioned. In other words, dental exams every 6 months and brushing 3 times per day with toothpastes and mouthrinses that are specifically meant for their age or diseases as previously described. Both partially edentulous patients and patients with natural teeth need to receive a dental prophylaxis once per year and keep their gums healthy.” 

“Older people must adhere to certain hygiene habits in order to fight oral ageing” 
MARIÁN GONZÁLEZ FARÍA; Dental Hygienist, Madrid 

“Older people need to supplement their routine oral hygiene habits (including proper toothbrushing for plaque removal, dental flossing, rinsing with fluoride to prevent the appearance of root caries or interproximal brushes) with certain habits associated with oral ageing. These can include the use of products such as artificial saliva, gum or lozenges containing xylitol, glycerine gels or even drugs like pylocarpine (always under the supervision of a dentist) to help reduce xerostomia that is caused by certain medications or diseases like diabetes. This way we can avoid candidiasis associated with oral prostheses.” 

“The proper brush size should be used” 
ALMUDENA MENÉNDEZ GARCÍA; Dental Hygienist, Asturias 

“The brush size should be ergonomic and anti-slip and should be appropriate for the user’s mobility level. If dexterity is limited or if we are facing Alzheimer's Disease (AD), Senile dementia - Alzheimer's type (SDAT) or cognitive impairment, an electric toothbrush should be used and specific oral hygiene instruction (OHI) given so that brushing follows the contour of the teeth at a 70° angle, together with a dental irrigator and chemical agents for eliminating biofilm. For patients with heart problems, it is essential to use chlorhexidine rinses prior to brushing as a prophylaxis. If hyposalivation or xerostomia appear 35 or 45 minutes after eating, a gel is recommended because of its capacity for deep penetration when used together with vibrating motions. If the patient has periodontal disease, the best option is the Bass technique. Patients with removable dentures must prevent candidiasis and patients with implant-supported prostheses the OHI must adapt to the design.”