Question

Required Readings

1. Bencosme, J. (2018). Periodontal disease: What nurses need to know. Nursing 2018, 48(7). 22-27.

2. Honan, Chap. 22, pp 659-660.

NURS 454 Pathophysiology

After completing the module and the assigned readings, consider the role of the nurse in promoting oral health. Answer the following questions. Describe an imaginary patient that is typical of the types of patients you see in your practice setting. (If you are not currently working, you can use an imaginary patient from a previous work setting or from a setting where you would like to work in the future.) What sorts of health problems or other issues does your patient face that might put him/her at risk for developing oral health problems. Why might these oral health problems occur? Now develop a plan of care that would help to lessen this patient’s risk for developing further oral health issues. Include pertinent patient education and community resources that you would recommend for this person. Try to limit to approximately 150-300 words. Include at least one reference in APA format.

Answer 1

Periodontal diseases- infection of the periodontium that support our teeth. This includes the bone, gums and the periodontal ligament that lines to teeth socket and provides and cushioning effect to the teeth and the bones.

Deposites on the teeth, lead to weakening/ infection of the gums and periodontal ligament, which ultimately leads to bone loss, leading to teeth mobility, dental caries etc.

It is very important to educate the patients about oral health in general healthcare setting as patients seldom visit dental clinics for routine check ups. Unless there is pain, or other visible issues. Periodontitis is the inflmammation of the gums and bone supporting the teeth, most often this is a result of chronic ignorance to oral health and hence, would require long term care to stop the infection.

Apart from poor oral hygiene, there are a number of systemic conditions which could lead to periodontitis such as artharitis which affects the bone(mandible), osteoporosis, renal disorders, diabetes. Even pregancy can result in gestational periodontal problems due to hormonal imbalances.

A strong association has also been established between smoking and gum infections. The severity of periodontitis is directly proportional to the quantity consumed. Prevalance of periodontitis is higher in smokers than in those who don't (Albandar 2002, Albandar et al 2000, tonetti 1998)

Patient needs to be educated about being extra cautious about their oral health in such conditions.

First and foremost would be to teach patient the correct technique to teeth brushing and the appropriate tooth brush to me used(soft, super soft, medium, hard)

Rehabilitation for smoking addiction could also be advised to the patients.

The patient could be given IEC material such as leaflets and videos that would educate them further.

Brushing twice daily and using Chlorhexidine mouthwash could also help maintaine the oral hygiene of the patient.

Since most dental procedures cannot be performed during the gustation period, it is althemore important for pregnant women to maintain their oral hygiene.