No recovery no fee
Medical advances and increased awareness of dental hygiene have resulted in a growing population of elderly individuals in the U.S. and worldwide with those at an advanced age still retaining at least some of their natural teeth. While having natural teeth generally supports a longer lifespan because it allows the elderly to consume a wider variety of healthy foods, it may also lead to poor oral health in nursing home residents, particularly those who are unable to sufficiently care for their own teeth and depend on the assistance of caregivers.
A comprehensive study of oral health in nursing homes calls dental problems a “ silent epidemic” in nursing homes today. Seniors in the U.S. develop new cavities at an average rate of one new cavity per year. One study reveals that nearly 40% of those over the age of 65 have untreated dental caries (cavities), and 8% have one or more broken teeth. Since the study is decades old, researchers believe today’s numbers are significantly higher within the expansive baby boomer generation. Unfortunately, Medicare Parts A and B do not provide coverage for dental care, greatly exacerbating the problem of poor oral health in nursing home residents.
Nursing homes in the U.S. experience chronic understaffing, leading to unrealistically high ratios of residents to caregivers, high staff turnover rates, and inadequately trained and overwhelmed staff members. These issues combine to make instances of neglect sadly common, including neglected oral hygiene. Nursing home caregivers report that many residents, particularly those with dementia are unwilling to open their mouths and refuse teeth brushing. Additionally, the elderly are more likely to experience dental problems due to degraded tooth enamel, worn, broken, and missing teeth, and medications that cause dry mouth which significantly increases the chances of developing cavities, infections, and other dental problems. Many elderly residents aren’t physically or cognitively capable of brushing their teeth. Finally, medical conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease can negatively impact oral health. Alarmingly, only about 16% of nursing home residents receive daily oral care, placing the population at a higher risk of additional related health problems.
When an elderly person has chronic tooth decay and other oral health problems they are more likely to suffer from decreased nutritional intake and related health decline. Studies reveal many common oral health problems in nursing home residents including:
The chronic level of dehydration in nursing home residents causes additional problems with oral health.
Painful tooth problems decrease quality of life and can cause serious infections that lead to sepsis. Additionally, prolific bacteria growth in the mouth leads to more frequent bouts of pneumonia as the bacteria is inhaled into the lungs. Poor oral health is also associated with cardiovascular problems and an increased chance of cognitive impairment and dementia.
In nursing homes, where residents may struggle with oral hygiene, these issues can be exacerbated. Families should be vigilant about their loved ones’ dental care and consider consulting a Phoenix nursing home abuse lawyer if neglect is suspected, as this can significantly impact their overall health and well-being.
The personal injury attorneys in Phoenix, Arizona, at Knapp & Roberts have the compassion and trial lawyer skills to tell your story to a jury. We will get to know you and your family so that we can help the jury understand what has happened to you and your family and how it has changed your lives. Obtain the compensation necessary for the injuries and losses you have suffered.
