World Oral Health Day, observed annually on 20th March, is a global initiative aimed at raising awareness about the importance and overall impact of oral hygiene. For care home residents, maintaining good oral health is particularly crucial, as many elderly individuals experience difficulties in self-care due to mobility issues, cognitive impairments, or pre-existing medical conditions.

Care home staff play a pivotal role in ensuring residents receive adequate oral care. World Oral Health Day 2025 serves as an excellent opportunity to highlight best practices. You can also develop an oral hygiene plan, introduce engaging activities, and encourage a proactive approach to dental health. 

Why Oral Hygiene in Care Homes Matters

Oral health significantly affects residents’ general well-being. Poor oral hygiene can lead to pain, infections, and difficulties in eating and speaking, thereby diminishing the quality of life. Studies indicate a strong correlation between oral health and systemic diseases, with conditions such as pneumonia and cardiovascular disease linked to poor oral hygiene. This makes oral care a priority in long-term residential care settings.

Common oral health issues among elderly residents include tooth decay, gum disease, dry mouth, and denture-related problems. If left untreated, these conditions can cause severe discomfort, weight loss due to difficulty eating, and even social withdrawal.

Daily oral care is essential in preventing these issues and maintaining residents’ dignity and comfort. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) emphasises that oral health should be given the same priority as general health in care homes. By implementing structured oral care routines and ensuring staff are well-trained, care homes can significantly enhance residents’ quality of life.

Recommended Read: The Role of Nutrition in Enhancing Resident Wellbeing

World Oral Health Day Activities for Care Homes

To celebrate World Oral Health Day 2025, care staff can implement various educational and enjoyable activities, ensuring residents feel engaged. These activities can be adapted to suit different levels of mobility and cognitive function.

• Organise Oral Care Awareness Sessions: Host interactive workshops where staff demonstrate proper brushing and denture-cleaning techniques. Using visual aids and hands-on demonstrations can make these sessions more effective and engaging for residents. Staff can also distribute informational pamphlets to reinforce key points.
  
• Invite Dental Professionals for Talks: Arrange for dentists, dental hygienists, or oral health specialists to visit and discuss crucial topics. These can include discussions on maintaining oral health in older age, common dental issues, and tips for caregivers. Having a Q&A session allows residents and staff to address specific concerns.
  
• Host a ‘Healthy Smiles’ Day: Plan a day filled with oral health-themed activities. These can include tasting dental-friendly snacks, engaging in art projects that promote healthy smiles, or watching educational videos. Games like ‘Tooth Trivia’ can also make learning fun for residents.
  
• Participate in Oral Health Training: Encourage staff to enrol in oral health training to enhance their skills and knowledge. This ensures they can provide the best care possible to residents, reinforcing oral hygiene practices on a daily basis.

By making oral health a fun and engaging topic, staff can increase awareness and participation among residents. This also allows them to make a lasting impact beyond World Oral Health Day itself. Check out our guide on conducting innovative activities in care homes for more inspiration on enhancing resident well-being.

How Often Should Oral Hygiene Checks Take Place?

Regular oral hygiene assessments are vital in care homes. NICE recommends that care staff assess the mouth care needs of all residents as soon as they start living in a care home, regardless of the length or purpose of their stay. Initial assessments should include identifying pre-existing oral conditions, reviewing dental history, and ensuring the resident has access to proper dental care.

Beyond the initial assessment, daily monitoring is crucial. Staff should conduct oral hygiene checks at least once a day, ideally during morning and evening routines. These checks should involve inspecting for any signs of discomfort, redness, swelling, ulcers, or dental plaque buildup. If a resident wears dentures, they should be checked for proper fit and cleanliness.

The Role of an Oral Health Course in Improving Care

Investing in specialised training equips care home staff with the necessary skills to manage residents’ oral health effectively. Training programmes like our oral healthcare course provide comprehensive knowledge on preventive measures, identification of potential issues, and appropriate responses to various oral health scenarios.

Such professional development not only enhances the quality of care but also boosts staff confidence and competence in handling oral health matters. Additionally, trained staff can serve as in-house oral health champions, ensuring best practices are consistently followed within the care home. Ongoing training helps staff stay updated on evolving oral health guidelines, making them better equipped to handle complex cases and provide high-quality care. Moreover, it also allows them to prepare customised meal plans and care home menus, based on residents’ oral health.

Encouraging staff to complete formal oral health training courses can also improve regulatory compliance, ensuring care homes meet national health standards. Training programmes often include practical assessments, enabling staff to gain hands-on experience in providing effective oral hygiene support to residents. 

Encouraging Long-Term Oral Hygiene Practices

Sustaining good oral health practices beyond World Oral Health Day is essential. Care homes can implement lasting routines by developing comprehensive oral care policies, and ensuring all staff are trained and aware of these protocols.

Regular training sessions and easy access to necessary oral hygiene supplies can support staff in maintaining high standards of care. Encouraging a culture of oral hygiene awareness ensures that daily practices are not overlooked. Additionally, involving residents in their oral health routines and engaging their families can further promote adherence and awareness. Family members can play a vital role by ensuring regular dental check-ups and reinforcing oral care habits at home.

Commit to Improving Resident Well-Being This World Oral Health Day

By celebrating World Oral Health Day 2025, care homes can reinforce the importance of daily oral hygiene and improve residents’ well-being. Through educational activities, training, and regular oral hygiene checks, staff can help create a lasting impact.

Consider enrolling in our oral health course today to enhance your staff’s expertise and ensure the best possible care for residents. Also, check out our range of CPD certified courses and explore more e-learning options for your care home staff.