4. Self-care behaviors. How are the child’s dental habits? Use a toothbrush regularly? How often does the child see a dentist?
* Do you use fluoridated water or fluoride supplement?
Rationale: Evaluate child’s self-care. Early self-care has best compliance.
ADDITIONAL HISTORY FOR THE AGING ADULT
1. Any dryness in the mouth? Are you taking any medications? (Note prescribed and over-the-counter medications)
Rationale: Xerostomia (dry mouth) is a side effect of many drugs used by older people: antidepressants, anticholinergics, antispasmodics, antihypertensives, antipsychotics, bronchodilators.
2. Have you had any loss of teeth? Can you chew all types of food?
Rationale: Note a decrease in eating meat, fresh vegetables and cleansing foods such as apples.
3. Are you able to care for your own teeth or dentures?
Rationale: Ability to perform self-care may be a decreased by physical disability (arthritis), vision loss, confusion, or depression.
4. Noticed a change in your sense of taste or smell?
Rationale: Some people add condiments to enhance food when taste begins to wane. Note salt and sugar additives especially. Also, diminished smell may decrease the person’s ability to detect food spoilage, natural gas leaks, or smoke from a fire.