#04 - Oral Health on Focus: Dysphagia

"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? Researching on the link between oral health and dysphasia The impact of oral health Individuals who have dysphagia or swallowing impairment may go on to develop aspiration pneumonia. 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 SLPs, nurses, and physicians are the key persons for support in helping people feel more confident to include oral healthcare into their practice. Interest in dental care prompts interprofessional connections Experiencing clinical practice in both America and Canada 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 Poor oral health outcomes may not be as obvious. 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   Reference: Oral Health and Aging   Connect with Me! You can connect with me on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and visit my website https://www.mouthmirrorsllc.com/  to learn more. LEAVE A REVIEW + And share this podcast with someone who wants awareness of the oral and systemic health of our aging population! Click here to listen to our previous episodes. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a 5-star review!