Yellowitz J, Saunders M J
Denver Veterans Administration Medical Center, Colorado.
Dent Clin North Am. 1989 Jan;33(1):11-8.
The poor oral health status of the elderly and the structural and attitudinal barriers that prevent dental care utilization by them, present a serious challenge for the elderly as well as for the dental profession. This challenge becomes even greater when the importance of good oral health status to the quality of life is considered. The aged person's feeling of individual well-being and favorable self-image, ability to communicate and socialize, ability to maintain adequate nutrition, and to taste and enjoy foods can be dependent upon good oral health status and hygiene. Older patients benefit physically and psychologically from more efficient dental treatment and more compassionate care given by people who understand the problems they face. In short, a better understanding of the principles of geriatric care by health professionals and staff will save both public money and private anguish. Tomorrow's elderly are expected to demand more attention and intervention to meet their changing needs. There is no reason to believe that the extension of education and training cannot begin to achieve this goal.
老年人口腔健康状况不佳，以及阻碍他们利用牙科护理的结构和态度障碍，对老年人和牙科行业都构成了严峻挑战。当考虑到良好口腔健康状况对生活质量的重要性时，这一挑战变得更加严峻。老年人的个人幸福感、良好的自我形象、沟通和社交能力、维持充足营养的能力以及品尝和享受食物的能力，都可能依赖于良好的口腔健康状况和卫生习惯。老年患者从更高效的牙科治疗以及理解他们所面临问题的人员给予的更具同情心的护理中，在身体和心理上都能受益。简而言之，健康专业人员和工作人员更好地理解老年护理原则，将节省公共资金和减少个人痛苦。预计未来的老年人将要求更多关注和干预，以满足他们不断变化的需求。没有理由不相信教育和培训的扩展无法开始实现这一目标。
