Bhatia and Bhatia, J Palliative Care Med 2012, 2:6

Palliative Care & Medicine http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2165-7386.1000126

Review Article Open Access

Palliative Care Dentistry-A Boon for the Elderly

Vishwas Bhatia1* and Garima Bhatia2
1
Department of Prosthodontics and Crown and Bridge, Eklavya Dental College and Hospital, Kotputli, Rajasthan, India
2
Department of Prosthodontics, Eklavya Dental College and Hospital, Kotputli, Rajasthan, India

Abstract
Palliative care deals with patients in the end phase of their life. These patients should receive a treatment which
focuses on the prevention and relief of suffering by means of early identification and assessment and treatment of
pain and other problems, physical, psychosocial and spiritual. Now, a question may arise, what role could a dentist
have in palliative care. Well, it has to be brought to everyone’s notice that a dental treatment may not always consist
of straining curative treatment approaches, but also focuses on the improvement of the quality of life. The aim of this
paper is to give a view of general dental problems in geriatrics/old age people and their treatments that might not only
relieve them of their disease but have a positive impact on their psychology, as during this phase of life our only aim
should be to put back a smile on their face.

Keywords: Palliative; Geriatrics; Dental treatment; Psychology The different structures in the mouth, which are the teeth, mucosa and
bone, go through changes as given below:
Introduction
Teeth
Palliative care dentistry has been defined as the study and
management of patients with active, progressive, far-advanced disease In a normal healthy tooth, the absorption of certain elements from
in whom the oral cavity has been compromised either by the disease saliva keeps it strong, healthy and able to resist disease. With age, enamel
directly or by its treatment; the focus of care is quality of life [1]. undergoes attrition, and in addition its mechanical characteristics alter,
owing probably to changes in diffusion conditions leading to lesser
Dentists can play a significant role in the care of geriartic patients by
absorption by the tooth [5]. This results in weaker and brittle teeth
providing total comfort and care of the oral cavity. The function of the
that are more likely to fracture and decay. Moreover as age progresses,
oral cavity is essential to the patient’s ability to thrive. Many orofacial
wearing away of the surfaces of teeth caused by attrition and erosion
pain conditions occur in the elderly [2]. Therefore, alleviation of pain
leads to sensitivity to hot and cold. The age-induced changes occurring
and prevention of infection in the oral cavity should be a priority
in dentine are much more obvious, the biological properties of this hard
in providing total, active comfort for the patient. Through routine substance being fundamentally altered. The dentine of older people is
assessments and interventions by a dentist on the palliative care team, characterized by the continuous narrowing of the lumen of the dentinal
comfort and care for the patient may be improved by the maintenance tubule, increasing calcification, reduction in the amount of peritubular
of oral hygiene and procedures to hydrate the oral mucosa. In addition, fluid and reduced sensitivity [5]. This is more aggravated by the fact
routine dental assessments may identify dental disease and facilitate that lowering blood supply and increasing collagen content weaken the
dental interventions for caries, periodontal disease, oral mucosal response of the tooth tissue to any kind of injury and its ability to repair
problems or prosthetic needs. This multidisciplinary approach to or heal itself. Because of these changes, hard foods that did not cause
palliative care, including a dentist, may reduce the oral debilities any problems before cause cracks in the teeth and bits to be scraped off.
that influence the patient’s ability to speak, eat or swallow. Changing Gradual narrowing of the circumference of the pulp volume, decrease
demographics and improved medical management of disease are in pulp density and dystrophic or degenerating calcifications are also
placing increasing demands on dental providers for increased noted alongside compression of collagen fibres [6].
knowledge of oral manifestations of systemic disease and their dental
With increasing age, people become less able to practice proper
management [3].
dental care because of disabilities, which can contribute to further
The prevention of infections, treatment of problems like dry mouth problems like pulpal pathology and caries.
or xerostomia, mucositis and candidiasis as well as the removal of sore The above mentioned changes in the aged tooth add on to the effects
spots are some of the important aspects of palliative oral treatment. of cancer therapy in a geriatric cancer patient. Patients undergoing
They can have an immediate positive impact on the patient’s personality head and neck radiotherapy are at life-long risk of developing
and boost them with self confidence bringing back their lost smile. osteoradionecrosis; subsequently, dental management protocols prior
to radiation often entail aggressive approaches such as extractions [7].
Age Changes in Mouth
Ageing not only causes changes in the body but it does so in the
mouth as well. These changes can lead to oral disease, discomfort and
*Corresponding author: Dr. Vishwas Bhatia, B.D.S, M.D.S Prosthodontics,
poor appearance making older people susceptible to a wide array of Department of Prosthodontics and Crown and Bridge, Eklavya Dental College
discomfort and psychological trauma. and Hospital, Kotputli, Jaipur-303108, Rajasthan, India, Tel: 8800452322; E-mail:
vishwas211@yahoo.co.in
‘Oral Cavity’ is a mirror of one’s health. The different structures
in the mouth show degenerative changes as individuals get older. Received July 13, 2012; Accepted August 07, 2012; Published August 09, 2012

Some of these changes may be related to one or more diseases that a Citation: Bhatia V, Bhatia G (2012) Palliative Care Dentistry-A Boon for the Elderly.
person has acquired over a life time or to drugs given to treat these J Palliative Care Med 2:126. doi:10.4172/2165-7386.1000126
diseases. However, some changes are physiological and result simply as Copyright: © 2012 Bhatia V, et al. This is an open-access article distributed under
a consequence of increasing age. Age-related oral changes are seen in the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted
use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and
the oral hard and soft tissues as well as in bone and the oral mucosa [4]. source are credited.

J Palliative Care Med Volume 2 • Issue 6 • 1000126

ISSN: 2165-7386 JPCM, an open access journal
Citation: Bhatia V, Bhatia G (2012) Palliative Care Dentistry-A Boon for the Elderly. J Palliative Care Med 2:126. doi:10.4172/2165-7386.1000126

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Also, many older people have more plaque build up on their teeth. This should be screened for oral candidosis and should also be screened
is not because of their age. It’s related to other physical changes that can for reversible factors that predispose to oral candidosis, such as poor
make it more difficult to brush and floss every day. For example, people dental hygiene and salivary gland dysfunction [15].
with arthritis or neurological problems may not be able to clean their
teeth as well, or they may forget to do it. Xerostomia
Dry mouth is very common in older people. It is usually a side
Oral mucosa
effect of medicines. Hundreds of medicines can cause dry mouth.
Like all tissues in the human body, those within the buccal cavity Salivary flow is decreased in old people causing a condition known as
undergo changes with ageing, which are observable in clinical practice Xerostomia. Also radiotherapy to treat cancers of the head and neck
[8]. Oral mucosa loses its elasticity and becomes more inflexible with results in xerostomia due to destruction of the salivary tissues within the
age. Changes occur in arteries of the oral mucosa. However, gradual treatment zone. The decrease in lubrication and the protective agents
loss in substance of tissue in the insides of the mouth and jaw bone with in saliva render the tissues more susceptible to trauma and invasion by
age can cause increasing difficulty in the form of denture instability for pathogens. The tissues become ulcerated and erythemic [1].
denture wearers.
Because of the ageing population, and the concomitant increase
Mucositis in medicated individuals, dentists can expect to be presented with
xerostomia in an increasing number of patients in the coming years
Mucositis is the painful inflammation and ulceration of the mucous and therefore should be familiar with its diagnosis and treatment [16].
membranes lining the digestive tract, usually as an adverse effect of Oral soft tissues become thinner, are less hydrated and elastic, are
chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment for cancer [9]. In older more susceptible to infection, and require a longer time to heal as age
age, because of some oral or paraoral diseases, patient might receive progresses.
chemo or radio therapy which along with unhealthy nutrition can lead
to mucositis and stomatitis causing generalised soreness of oral mucosa Bone
and changes in sense of taste and smell. Oral mucositis is a common
and often debilitating complication of cancer treatment [10]. Loss in bone mass can result with age, which can cause osteoporosis
(reduced bone formation). Loss of alveolar bone (part of the jaw that
Chemotherapy acts on tissues that have a high rate of mitosis, and contains teeth) causes loss of facial height which makes a person look
the oral cavity is frequently affected. Oral mucositis affects almost all older than he/she is. The loss of bone also makes the lips fall in causing
patients undergoing high-dose chemotherapy and Hematopoietic wrinkles to appear around the lips, making smile lines deeper and
Stem cell Transplantation (HSCT), 80% of patients with malignancies making the face sag. This appearance is more pronounced in people
of the head and neck receiving radiotherapy, and a wide range of who have lost all of their teeth or a great number of them.
patients receiving chemotherapy [11]. Reducing mitosis causes atrophy
of tissues leading to ulceration, which may be further complicated Dental practitioners need to be able to identify what is considered
by microbial invasion [12]. Mucositis occurs within 5–7 days of to be within the normal physiological limits of the ageing oral tissue
chemotherapy with drugs such as 5-fluorouracil and methotrexate, and hence what is abnormal and requires further investigation to
which are potent mucositis agents. With 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), up to facilitate appropriate referral. Osteonecrosis of the jaw has been
40% cancer patients get mucositis [11]. Radiotherapy to the head and described in geriatric patients taking bisphosphonates after oral
neck is associated with Grade 3 and Grade 4 oral mucositis in which surgery procedures, including the placement of dental implants [17].
the patient is unable to eat solid food and unable to consume liquids Long term administration of bisphosphonates, especially intravenous
respectively [11]. The above mentioned changes in the oral cavity preparations results in a condition called Bisphosphonate-Related
combined with several factors like medications and denture wearing in Osteonecrosis of the Jaws (BRONJ) [18].
geriatric cancer patient further results in a loss of appetite.
Psychological Changes
Candidiasis One should keep in mind that any kind of pain or discomfort
The incidence of candidiasis in palliative care patients has been has a huge negative impact on the patient’s psychology. Along with
estimated to be 70% to 85% [1]. Predisposing factors for fungal infections treatment of pain, what is required in such patients is a psychosocial
include poor oral hygiene, xerostomia, immunosuppression, use of counselling as in such phase of life; even the slightest of discomfort
corticosteroids or broad-spectrum antibiotics, poor nutritional status, can make one think of big problems. It is also important for the dentist
diabetes and the wearing of dentures. Candida albicans is the most to counsel the patient before and after the treatment and educate
common infectious organism encountered in candidiasis. It is a natural them about the care to be taken from their side. Nowadays, novel
inhabitant of the oral cavity whose overgrowth is normally suppressed approaches to hospital palliative care are formulated that suggest an
by other nonpathologic microorganisms and natural host defense expanded role for counsellors. It is unique in that the approach has a
mechanisms. The mere presence of a positive culture without clinical strong counselling base in providing the palliative service, rather than
symptoms is not indicative of Candida infection [13]. In palliative care major reliance on advance practice nurses or palliative physicians.
patients, candidiasis is primarily a result of xerostomia. Results of a The counsellors spend the hours needed to assist families in making
previous study done to determine the epidemiology, aetiology, clinical difficult end-of-life decisions.
features and microbiological aspects of oral candidosis in a cohort of
cancer patients receiving specialist palliative care showed 66% of the
Medications and Oral Side Effects
patients had microbiological evidence of oral yeast carriage, whilst 30% Older adults are likely to take medications that can impact oral
of the patients had combined clinical and microbiological evidence health and affect dental treatment. Hundreds of common medications
of oral candidosis [14]. Oral candidosis is relatively common in - including antihistamines, diuretics, pain killers, high blood
community-based patients with advanced cancer. Hence, such patients pressure medications and antidepressants - can cause side effects

J Palliative Care Med Volume 2 • Issue 6 • 1000e119

ISSN: 2165-7386 JPCM, an open access journal
Citation: Bhatia V, Bhatia G (2012) Palliative Care Dentistry-A Boon for the Elderly. J Palliative Care Med 2:126. doi:10.4172/2165-7386.1000126

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such as dry mouth, soft tissue changes, taste changes, and gingival as well as time consuming. It should therefore be done by a dentist who
overgrowth. A chief medicine that leads to xerostomia is, to mention is especially interested in pain and who is preferably associated with
a few, Antihypertensive, diuretics, antidepressants, antihistaminic and a centre for pain relief. A few cases may then have their pain relieved
radiation therapy too. Unfortunately these drugs are prescribed to by such procedures as fillings, extractions or occlusal adjustment [20].
adults very often and hence xerostomia is considered as a disease of
geriatric patients. Palliative Care Treatments
Concerns for Older Women Burning mouth syndrome

Women who are menopausal or post-menopausal may experience Removal of local oral irritants, construction of plastic retainers to
changes in their mouths. Recent studies suggest that estrogens’ cover irregularities of the occlusion that magnify the side- effects of
deficiency could place post-menopausal women at higher risk for severe tongue habits, treatment of the muscular tension by correction of the
periodontal disease and result in tooth loss. In addition, hormonal malocclusion or by muscle relaxants such as diazepam, or treatment
changes in older women may result in discomfort in the mouth, of the systemic disease, such as a connective tissue disease or diabetes
including dry mouth, pain and burning sensations in the gum tissue mellitus are some of the treatment modalities. Some studies have also
and altered taste, especially salty, peppery or sour. Women considering shown a greater percentage of patients taking clonazepam reporting
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) to help fight osteoporosis either partial or complete relief of symptoms compared to diazepam
should note that this may help protect their teeth as well as other parts [21].
of the body. Neurosurgical exploration of the lingual nerve for glossodynia of
neuropathic origin may relieve some of the more distressing symptoms,
Syndromes Affecting in Old Age especially if there is a nodule of scar tissue or neuroma formation at the
Eagles syndrome site of damage to the lingual nerve. Some numbness may persist.
Eagles syndrome is a medical condition in which the styloid process Some relief from symptoms of Burning Mouth Syndrome also
is abnormally long, extending over 1.18 in (30mm), and the stylohyoid is usually obtained from the use of topical analgesics such as 0.5%
ligament has undergone calcification. Eagle syndrome has been linked aqueous diphenhydramine alone or mixed with 0.5% dycyclonine or
with aging and trauma and is more common in females than males. The lidocaine or other analgesic ointments applied to the affected area.
condition may present symptoms of chronic dull pain, or sharp pains
Cancerophobia (an excessive fear of cancer) may be a prominent
when swallowing, stretching the tongue, or turning the head.
feature of patients with Burning Mouth Syndrome. So, psychological
Burning mouth syndrome counselling should be given.
Oral mucosal conditions are more prevalent in older patients and There are few self used home remedies to relieve the pain and the
many orofacial pain disorders, such as burning mouth syndrome are symptoms of Burning Mouth Syndrome.
more common in patients over the age of 50 years [19]. This is a painful,
burning sensation localized in the tongue affecting other areas of the • These areAvoid hot and spicy food.
oral mucosa. The description of the symptoms varies from patient to • Do not use the mouth wash which contains alcohol. These can
patient, which may be pain, burning, tingling, or numbness. Burning aggravate the symptoms of Burning Mouth Syndrome.
Mouth Syndrome or Glossodynia may occur as an isolated symptom
or as one of a group of oral symptoms, such as taste abnormality and • Sip water frequently. One can chew ice chips when the
various oral dysesthesias, including dull, deep, continuous pain of the symptoms of Burning Mouth Syndrome are acute.
atypical facial pain variety. It can be seen in different dental as well
• Sugarless gums can be chewed by the persons having Burning
as medical conditions and can be seen in any age group but is more
Mouth Syndrome.
common in females that too middle aged or old aged females. It can be
related with menopause or some kind of allergy, dry mouth or some • Avoid citrus fruits and juices as one should avoid the food
nutritional deficiencies. which is acidic.
Trigeminal neuralgia Mucositis and stomatitis
Trigeminal Neuralgia is also known as tic douloureux. It is a Treatments are primarily aimed at relieving pain. Xylocaine
pain syndrome recognizable by the patient’s history; it is a painful and dyclonine topical anesthetics provide comfort but must be used
neurological condition that occurs as a result of damage to or pressure with caution as they will block the gag reflex and increase the risk of
on the fifth cranial nerve, also called the trigeminal nerve. It causes aspiration. Dyclonine has been shown to have anti-inflammatory
sudden, severe pain, usually on one side of the face. Contact with a activity in addition to its anesthetic qualities [22].
stimulus (i.e., a touch) often can trigger a painful attack in patients who
have tic douloureux. According to the National Institutes of Health The use of diphenhydramine hydrochloride 5% as a rinse to
(NIH), trigeminal neuralgia is more common in people over the age of relieve pain has been used for herpetic stomatitis. Benzydamine is a
50, although the condition can occur at any age. Trigeminal neuralgia non steroidal analgesic with anti- inflammatory properties. It has been
affects more women than men. reported to relieve radiation induced stomatitits [23]. It should be
prescribed in geriatric cancer patients only after consulting a physician.
It is less well known that pain which seems to be due to idiopathic
trigeminal neuralgia is occasionally due to dental causes. For this Before any of the above measures is initiated, it is important to
reason it is suggested that such cases should be given very careful dental identify local traumatic factors such as fractured restorations or teeth,
and oral examination before the commencement of drug therapy or or an impinging removable prosthesis. Patients should also be advised
surgery. Such an examination must be meticulous and may be tedious to avoid spicy foods, smoking and alcohol [24].

J Palliative Care Med Volume 2 • Issue 6 • 1000e119

ISSN: 2165-7386 JPCM, an open access journal
Citation: Bhatia V, Bhatia G (2012) Palliative Care Dentistry-A Boon for the Elderly. J Palliative Care Med 2:126. doi:10.4172/2165-7386.1000126

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Trigeminal neuralgia can also be soaked in benzalkonium chloride (1: 750) for 30 minutes.
Benzalkonium chloride should be formulated daily as Gram-negative
In general, treatment will always be individualized, according bacteria can proliferate within 24 hours. Boiling the denture will
to the origin and cause of disease or complaints. After ruling out all cause denture base distortion [32]; however microwaving it in water
differential diagnosis (dental pain, migraine, sinusitis, etc.,) treatment at high power for 5 minutes can disinfect the denture base. Repeated
for trigeminal neuralgia will be initially treated with a course of anti- microwaving can result in hardening of PermaSoft denture linings [33].
inflammatory drugs and pain-killers. In addition, analgesic gels and
supplements like calcium, magnesium and essential fatty acids will be Dentures should be stored in well-identified vessels in solutions
provided. Some doctors would give a try with steroidal or alcohol or of water, mouthwash, 0.12% chlorhexidine, Listerine antiseptic or 100
phenol injections or Carbamezapien, short wave diathermy, electric 000 IU of nystatin suspension [34].
current, radiation, etc., for managing pain. Here also, relief will be
Candidiasis may be treated by a combination because mouths
short-lived. The evidence suggests that carbamazepine is still the first
continually change; dentures need to be checked for proper fit to avoid
line drug for medical management, but this should be changed to
irritation, increased bone loss and infections.
oxcarbazepine if there is poor efficacy and an unacceptable side effect
profile [25]. As a last resort, Microvascular Decompression (MVD) of Ulcers
the nerve or Gamma Knife Surgery (GKS) will be opted for surgical
Aphthous ulcers are common and can be helped by topical
dissection of nerve to root out all the pain. A study has shown that
corticosteroids or tetracycline mouthwash. Severe viral infection
immediate pain relief with MVD treatment is higher than with GKS,
(herpes simplex or zoster) will need aciclovir 200 mg every 4 hours for
but in the long term both treatments are comparable [26].
5 days. Malignant ulcers are often associated with anaerobic bacteria
Oral candidiasis that produce a foul odour; this responds to metronidazole, either as
400-500 mg taken orally or rectally every 12 hours or as a topically
Candidiasis may be treated by a combination of topical and systemic applied gel.
applications. One topical agent is nystatin, which can be administered
via different methods. The fungicidal activity of nystatin depends Infected mouth
directly on contact time with the oral tissues. Nystatin suspension Topical corticosteroids-Betamethasone 0.5 mg in 5 ml water as
also has high sugar content and must, therefore, be administered mouthwash or triamcinolone in carmellose paste
cautiously in the xerostomic dentate patient. Nystatin may occasionally
cause gastrointestinal effects such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea Tetracycline mouthwash, 250 mg every 8 hours (contents of one
[27]. Angular cheilitis can be treated with a cream made up of 0.5% capsule dissolved in 5 ml water).
triamcinolone and 2% ketoconazole. Clotrimazole troches may be
Missing natural teeth
dissolved slowly in the mouth; however, they contain sucrose, which
can increase caries. Troches are more efficacious than suspensions due Pain free or flexi dentures: Many patients wearing conventional
to their longer oral contact time [28]. Clotrimazole vaginal cream may hard dentures experience pain because of the hard acrylic material of
be applied as a thin coat on the tissue side of the denture. the denture or because of the sensitivity of mucosa with age. In all such
cases, dentist can provide flexible dentures that as the name suggests
Mouth dryness or Xerostomia are quite flexible because of the nylon base it is made off.
1. Sucking on sugar free lozenges or sugar free gum to stimulate Dental implants: A dental implant is an artificial tooth root placed
saliva production into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge in place. While
high-tech in nature, dental implants are actually more tooth-saving
2. Keeping hydrated by sipping water frequently
than traditional bridgework, since implants do not rely on neighbouring
3. Using a humidifier while patient sleeps teeth for support. When teeth are missing, the bone which previously
supported these teeth begins to deteriorate. This can result in dramatic
4. Avoiding caffeinated drinks changes in ones appearance, such as increased wrinkles around the
5. Avoiding chewing tobacco mouth and lips that cave in and lose their natural shape.

Treatment is indicated in extreme cases like xerostomia caused More and older people are selecting dental implants over dentures
by radiation treatment. Pilocarpin is the drug preferred and can be as a replacement option for lost teeth. Older adults have similar
consumed for a long period. success rate with implants compared with younger people provided
they are free of any systemic disease and cancer free. Currently, dental
Denture care implants are contraindicated in patients being treated with intravenous
bisphosphonates. All patients treated with bisphosphonates must have
Denture wearers need to avoid plaque build up that can irritate the risk of possible loss of implants and the risk of suffering a bony
the tissues under the dentures. Thoroughly clean dentures daily and necrosis of the operated jaw explained to them, and give their informed
remove dentures at night to avoid bacteria growth. Higher salivary consent prior to dental implant surgery [17].
Candida levels are more frequently encountered in denture wearers
than in dentate patients [29]. Patients with gum problems
The use of commercial hydrogen peroxide releasing agents has Elder Patients suffering from periodontal problems are inclined
been found to be ineffective in the disinfection of the denture [30,31]. towards total extraction and dentures. They must be explained all
Soaking the denture in bleach (15 ml) and water (250 ml) for 30 advanced periodontal treatments which may increase the life of their
minutes will help rid the denture of odours. Partial dentures should not teeth. Preserving natural teeth by any means will help in preserving
be soaked in bleach solution, as it will lead to metal fatigue. Dentures alveolar bone. There are quite a few geriatric cases where they have a
few upper and few corresponding lower teeth and they don’t find any

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ISSN: 2165-7386 JPCM, an open access journal
Citation: Bhatia V, Bhatia G (2012) Palliative Care Dentistry-A Boon for the Elderly. J Palliative Care Med 2:126. doi:10.4172/2165-7386.1000126

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problem of chewing. They must be explained, of possible bone loss to 16. Cassolato SF, Turnbull RS (2003) Xerostomia: clinical aspects and treatment.
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ONCOLOGY, USA. Submit your next manuscript and get advantages of OMICS
10. Sonis ST (2004) Oral mucositis in cancer therapy. J Support Oncol 2: 3-8. Group submissions
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Symptom Manage 35: 508-514. Submit your manuscript at: http://www.omicsonline.org/submission/

J Palliative Care Med Volume 2 • Issue 6 • 1000e119

ISSN: 2165-7386 JPCM, an open access journal