Care Homes: Improving Oral Health
More than half of older adults who live in care homes have tooth decay, compared to 40% of over 75s who do not live in care homes.
Poor oral health can affect people’s ability to eat, speak and socialise normally.
People in care homes are more vulnerable to oral health issues for several reasons:
Chronic conditions such as arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, and dementia can make it difficult to hold and use a toothbrush, as well as access dental care.
Many medications can reduce saliva production, leading to dry mouth.
Comprehensive assessments and support from well-trained staff can help prevent the pain, disrupted sleep, and health complications that arise from poor oral health.
Every resident should undergo an oral health assessment upon moving into the care home, with the findings documented in their care plan.
Care staff should begin by asking the following questions:
- How do you typically manage your daily oral care, and what assistance would you prefer?
- What dental aids do you use, such as a manual or electric toothbrush, mouthwash, or floss?
- Do you wear dentures, and if so, are they labeled with your name? If not, would you like them to be?
- When was your last dental visit, and who did you see? If you don’t have a dentist, would you like help finding one?
Care staff knowledge and skills
Care staff should be able to recognise when a resident's oral health needs reassessment and how to assist residents with their daily oral care, ensuring they:
- Brush their natural teeth at least twice daily with fluoride toothpaste.
- Use their preferred products for cleaning dentures.
- Properly clean dentures (manual cleaning, removing food debris, and taking dentures out overnight).
- Use their preferred toothbrush (manual or electric/battery-powered) and oral care products.
Staff should also understand how dental pain or oral infections can impact a resident’s overall health, wellbeing, and behaviour.
It's important that staff know who to contact for advice, how and when to report any concerns about a resident’s oral health, and how changes in a resident's condition may affect their ability to care for their mouth.
Sereclean Care Home Initiatives
At Sereclean, our goal is to educate care home staff by focusing our guidance on NICE Guidelines. All of our advice aligns with CQC standards, promoting the support of residents' oral health. While we don't offer dental examinations, we provide expert advice on enhancing existing oral care routines.
We offer both virtual and in person presentations which are conducted by a dental professional.
If you would like to book a presentation at your care home, please contact us at:
This content has been co-produced by Sereclean.It is based on NICE’s guideline on oral health for adults in care homes and NICE and the Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE)
