Dec 16, 2021
“It's important to look beyond the mouth and to consider that oral health impacts overall health in various different ways.” - Rebecca H. Affoo
Hello! Welcome to the Aging Pearls Podcast, where we're dedicated to providing dental pearls for all those concerned with the oral care needs of our aging population. I am Dr. Christie Hogue and today, we have Rebecca H. Affoo, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, SLP-Reg, SLP(C). She will be sharing her experience as a practitioner and an educator. She discusses the connections between aging, eating habits, illnesses, and how we must go beyond and realize the impact of oral health to overall health.
[00:01 – 07:23] Finding the Links - Aging, Oral Health, and Impairment
- Who is Rebecca H. Affoo?
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- Researching on the link between oral health and dysphasia
- The impact of oral health
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- Individuals who have dysphagia or swallowing impairment may go on to develop aspiration pneumonia.
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- Misdirection into the larynx and then the airways
- Oral health as an indicator of potentially developing aspiration pneumonia
- There is a relationship between oral health, swallowing, and respiratory health.
- Finding the intersections of dysfunctions
[07:24 – 19:50] Looking Beyond Oral Health - Implications to Overall Health
- Importance of swallowing in relation to oral health
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- SLPs, nurses, and physicians are the key persons for support in helping people feel more confident to include oral healthcare into their practice.
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- Interest in dental care prompts interprofessional connections
- Experiencing clinical practice in both America and Canada
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- A major difference is billing - America’s healthcare system is confusing.
- Seeing a dentist in America and Canada is similar - both systems are private.
- Patient outcomes in oral health
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- Poor oral health outcomes may not be as obvious.
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- Issues with eating
- Look beyond just the mouth and consider the impact of oral health to overall health.
[19:51 – 17:29] Final Thoughts
- We are launching our new book – Oral Health and Aging!
- Connect with Dr. Christie Hogue – leave a review and comment (links below)
Key Quotes:
“Individuals who have dysphagia or swallowing impairment may go on to develop aspiration pneumonia.” - Rebecca H. Affoo
“It [oral care] doesn't stop at the mouth, we have to remember that it also includes a person's ability to nourish themselves and to maintain their health, as well as to eat and drink without potentially developing aspiration pneumonia.” - Rebecca H. Affoo
“I think that the outcomes associated with poor oral health may not be as obvious as one may think.” - Rebecca H. Affoo
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