ライフステージに応じた機能的口腔ケア : 歯科衛生士が開く健康長寿社会への扉

In population ageing society the prevention of oral infection disease and the maintenance of chewing function are very important to contribute to enhance the quality of life of individuals and to manifest a healthy long life society in the future. Generally oral care means hygienic oral care to prevent dental disease. On the other hand the term of functional oral care is used as the rehabilitation training to the chewing and swallowing disorders or MFT (Myofunctional therapy) in the orthodontic treatment. I propose to include chewing and nutritious support, and instruction of self care on the posture and oral habits in the term of functional oral care. In this paper I focus on the functional oral care in the life stages and the participation of dental staffs, particularly oral hygienists in the field.