A new National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guideline has been developed with the aim of improving oral health in care homes.
According to government figures more than half of older adults in care homes have tooth decay when compared to 40% of over 75s and 33% of over 85s who do not live in care homes.
Of the 400,000 adults resident in UK care homes, 80% have some form of dementia and 30,000 are younger adults with learning disabilities.
Older adults in care homes are more likely to have fewer natural teeth. Those with teeth are less likely to have enough teeth to eat comfortably and without embarrassment.
The new guideline – Oral health for adults in care homes – includes recommendations for those who have responsibility for the health of care home residents. It calls for training for care staff and access to dental services when needed.
Professor Liz Kay, foundation dean of the Peninsula Dental School at Plymouth University, is a member of the guideline development group. She said: ‘I am delighted to have played a part in this guideline, not just because it will contribute to improved oral health in care homes but also that it will enhance dignity and confidence in those who are unable to care for themselves. The daily routines recommended in the guideline will help those with the responsibility for the care of adults in care homes achieve comfortable, pain-free mouths for their charges.
‘This is why, when we train the dental health professionals of the future at Plymouth University, they not only gain experience in treating older people and those with special needs but also work on projects and interact with the people who care for them.’
As well as providing guidance for daily care routines, the guideline also acknowledges the need for better access to dental care. The guideline recommends that local health and wellbeing boards ensure dental services are provided to care home residents. It also calls for care home managers to contact their local board if they are concerned about the availability of services.
Professor Kay commented: ‘As we live for longer, so more of us will eventually end up living in a care home. By providing guidance across what is a fragmented and inconsistent care environment, I would hope that we will see greatly improved oral health in care homes – now and in the future.’
The guidance is available on the NICE website.