6 groups of people who need to take care of their oral health in their own way

Many people still think that brushing twice a day is enough to protect oral health. However, according to Dr. Ghousia Begum – a dentist at Gharonda Hospital, Hosmat, Kalyan Nagar, Pune (India), oral care needs to be “personalized” according to each person’s health condition and age.

In fact, there are certain groups of people for whom conventional oral hygiene methods may not be effective, and may even cause harm. Below are 6 groups who need special attention.

Hospitalized patients

Inpatients often have weakened immune systems, poor self-care ability, or limited mobility. For critically ill patients, especially those with ventilator-associated pneumonia or hospital-acquired pneumonia, poor oral hygiene is a risk factor.

Recommendations:

• Use soft gauze or a specialized brush
• Gently clean the teeth and gum area
• Get support from family members or medical staff

People with neurological conditions or developmental delays

People with neurological or cognitive issues often have difficulty controlling their behavior and cannot properly clean their own teeth.

Risks:

• Incomplete brushing
• Gum injury from incorrect technique
• Long-term plaque buildup

Solutions:

• Use an electric toothbrush or an extra-soft bristle brush
• Have daily supervision or support
• Build a simple, easy-to-follow hygiene routine

People undergoing cancer treatment, with diabetes, or on long-term medication

Systemic diseases and treatment medications can directly affect oral health, causing dry mouth, gum inflammation, and mucosal ulcers.

In particular:

• Cancer patients are prone to oral ulcers caused by chemotherapy
• People with diabetes have a higher risk of periodontitis
• Certain long-term medications (such as antidepressants, antihistamines, blood pressure medications, etc.) can reduce saliva production.

Recommendations:

• Use a specialized mouthwash as directed by a doctor
• Avoid alcohol-based products that cause irritation
• Have regular dental check-ups for monitoring

Teenagers with braces

Braces make it easy for food to get trapped while eating; if not cleaned properly, this can lead to tooth decay, gum inflammation, or bad breath.

Important notes:

• Regular brushing alone is not enough
• Need to combine dental floss, interdental brushes, and a water flosser
• Ideally clean after every meal if possible; at minimum, brush thoroughly in the morning and before bed, combined with interdental cleaning.

This is a group that needs more thorough oral care than usual to ensure orthodontic treatment effectiveness.

Elderly people with sensitive gums or dry mouth

In older adults, gums often become more sensitive, and dry mouth is also common due to age or medication.

Consequences:

• Prone to gum bleeding
• Increased risk of root cavities
• Discomfort while eating and drinking

Solutions:

• Use a soft-bristle brush with gentle motions
• Drink enough water and use products that help keep the mouth moist
• Have regular dental check-ups to manage conditions

Sensory-sensitive children and people with limited mobility

Some children may be sensitive to the sensation of brushing (some children with autism spectrum disorder or sensory sensitivities…), while people with limited mobility have difficulty performing hygiene tasks.

Common difficulties:

• Fear of the toothbrush or toothpaste
• Uncooperative during cleaning
• Unable to care for themselves

Approach:

• Choose a suitable, friendly-designed toothbrush
• Introduce it gradually, step by step, without forcing
• Have support from a caregiver

Why is personalized oral care necessary?

Each person has a different health condition, age, and needs. Applying a “one-size-fits-all” oral hygiene method sometimes does not bring optimal results.

Personalization helps:

• Increase cleaning effectiveness
• Reduce the risk of gum and tooth damage
• Better prevent oral diseases

When should you visit the dentist?

If you belong to one of the 6 groups above, regular dental check-ups are extremely necessary. The doctor will assess your specific condition and provide the most suitable care plan.

At Phuong Thanh Dental Center, customers receive personalized consultation on oral care plans based on their actual condition, helping ensure long-term safety and effectiveness.

PHUONG THANH DENTAL CENTER