Health Promotion and Diagnosis of Oral Diseases in Institutionalized Elderly People: An Experience Report

Isadora Lima Pereira, Fabio Augusto Ito, Ademar Takahama Júnior, Tiago Carvalho dos Santos, Paulo Sérgio da Silva Santos, Camila Lopes Cardoso and Heliton Gustavo de Lima ()
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Isadora Lima Pereira: Department of Oral Medicine and Pediatric Dentistry, State University of Londrina, Londrina 86057-970, Brazil
Fabio Augusto Ito: Department of Oral Medicine and Pediatric Dentistry, State University of Londrina, Londrina 86057-970, Brazil
Ademar Takahama Júnior: Department of Oral Medicine and Pediatric Dentistry, State University of Londrina, Londrina 86057-970, Brazil
Tiago Carvalho dos Santos: Department of Surgery, Stomatology, Pathology and Radiology, Bauru School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 17012-901, Brazil
Paulo Sérgio da Silva Santos: Department of Surgery, Stomatology, Pathology and Radiology, Bauru School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 17012-901, Brazil
Camila Lopes Cardoso: Department of Surgery, Stomatology, Pathology and Radiology, Bauru School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 17012-901, Brazil
Heliton Gustavo de Lima: Department of Stomatology, Federal University of Parana, Curitiba 80210-170, Brazil

IJERPH, 2025, vol. 22, issue 7, 1-10

Abstract: This study presents the findings of an academic extension project focused on promoting oral health and diagnosing oral lesions in institutionalized elderly individuals. The project involved visits by students and faculty to two nursing homes in southern Brazil. Data collection included extraoral and intraoral clinical examinations and educational activities such as lectures and the distribution of printed materials on oral and denture hygiene. According to caregiving staff, oral hygiene, including denture cleaning, was generally performed once daily during morning showers. A total of 118 older adults (68 males and 50 females; mean age 76.1 ± 8.6 years) were examined. Forty-nine used dentures, of whom only 24 (49%) reported satisfaction with their prostheses. In total, 42 oral lesions were identified, mainly angular cheilitis (8), inflammatory fibrous hyperplasia (7), irritation fibroma (7), frictional hyperkeratosis (7), prosthetic stomatitis (5), actinic cheilitis (3), traumatic ulcers (3), and leukoplakia (2). Educational sessions also targeted caregivers, offering practical guidance for improving hygiene practices. The results underscore the need for better oral care and improved access to dental services for institutionalized elderly populations. Academic extension activities play a valuable role in health promotion and in training future professionals in elderly care.

Keywords: oral health; institutionalized elderly people; oral rehabilitation; oral diseases (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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