Maintaining good oral health is essential for overall well-being, particularly for residents in care homes. Oral health impacts not only physical health but also quality of life, social interaction, and self-esteem. In the UK, oral care in care homes is gaining attention as care providers strive to enhance the quality of care they deliver. In this blog, we’ll discuss how to create an effective oral hygiene care plan, key steps in oral health assessments, and actionable tips to improve oral healthcare for residents.

Why Oral Care in Care Homes Matters

Oral healthcare often takes a back seat in care settings, but its importance cannot be overstated. Poor oral hygiene can lead to painful conditions like tooth decay, gum disease, and oral infections, which in turn can exacerbate other health issues such as diabetes, heart disease, and respiratory infections.

A recent survey by Public Health England (PHE) revealed that one in four residents in care homes have oral health problems. Additionally, many care home staff feel they lack adequate training or resources to provide proper oral care. This highlights the urgent need for structured oral care plans that focus on assessment, prevention, and ongoing management.

Recommended reading: Nutritional Guidelines for a Healthy Care Home Menu

What Should an Oral Care Plan Include?

An oral care plan is a tailored guide that ensures residents receive the support they need to maintain their oral health. Here’s what a comprehensive plan should cover:

1. Initial Oral Health Assessment
   • Conduct a detailed oral health assessment upon admission. Use an oral health assessment tool to evaluate the condition of the mouth, gums, teeth, and dentures.
   • Look for signs of decay, gum disease, dryness, or any discomfort. Ensure the assessment includes checking for difficulties with chewing, swallowing, or cleaning teeth.
   • Ask: When should oral health be assessed? Ideally, assessments should be done within the first week of admission or immediately if concerns arise.
2. Daily Oral Care Routine
   • Outline a clear daily oral care routine, including brushing teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, cleaning dentures, and rinsing the mouth after meals.
   • Ensure staff are trained in what you should do before supporting with oral care, such as washing hands, wearing gloves, and explaining the process to the resident to ensure comfort.
3. Regular Reviews and Updates
   • How often should you review residents’ oral health? At least every six months, or more frequently if a resident’s health changes or they experience oral discomfort.
   • Use a checklist to monitor progress and identify any emerging issues, ensuring care plans remain relevant.
4. Access to Professional Dental Care
   • Ensure residents have access to a dentist for regular check-ups and emergency care. Collaborate with local dental services to create a seamless referral process.

What Should an Assessment for Oral Health Include?

A thorough oral health assessment is the cornerstone of effective care. Here’s what it should cover:

• Teeth and Gums: Check for cavities, missing teeth, bleeding, or inflammation.
• Mouth and Tongue: Look for sores, dryness, or signs of infection.
• Dentures: Ensure dentures fit properly and are free from damage or build-up.
• Diet and Hydration: Assess whether dietary habits could be affecting oral health.
• Resident’s Ability: Determine if the resident can independently manage their oral care or requires support.

Using a standard oral health assessment tool can help care staff document findings and track changes over time, ensuring nothing is overlooked. Learn more here.

Best Practices for Oral Healthcare in Care Homes

1. Training for Care Staff
   Equip care workers with the knowledge and skills to deliver oral care confidently. This includes understanding what you should do before supporting oral care and recognising signs of oral health issues.
2. Tailored Approaches
   Each resident has unique needs. Some may need gentle encouragement, while others might require adaptive tools like electric toothbrushes or specialised cleaning aids.
3. Promoting Awareness
   Incorporate oral health education into care home activities. Simple demonstrations on brushing techniques or discussions about the link between diet and oral health can make a big difference.
4. Documenting Care
   Maintain detailed records of oral health assessments, daily care routines, and any changes observed. This ensures continuity of care and helps identify issues early.

Real-World Example

A care home in Bristol implemented a structured oral care plan using a simple oral health assessment tool. Within six months, staff reported a 40% reduction in oral health complaints. Residents expressed greater comfort during meals, and dental referrals decreased, showcasing the impact of proactive care.

Current Trends and Statistics

• Increasing Awareness: Initiatives like the PHE’s “Delivering Better Oral Health” toolkit are helping care homes prioritise oral healthcare.
• Technology in Care: Apps and digital tools are emerging to assist with documenting and monitoring oral health assessments.
• Demand for Training: According to recent searches, queries like “what should an assessment for oral health include” and “oral health assessment tool” are among the top-searched topics in the healthcare sector.

Actionable Insights for Care Homes

• Start Today: Use an oral health assessment tool to evaluate all residents’ oral health.
• Review Regularly: Set a schedule for six-monthly reviews to ensure plans stay updated.
• Empower Staff: Provide training on oral healthcare and equip them with the right tools.
• Engage Families: Involve residents’ families in oral care discussions to maintain consistency.

Download Oral Hygiene Care Plan

An effective oral care plan goes beyond a simple checklist—it’s about enhancing the quality of life for care home residents. By integrating regular assessments, targeted training, and personalised care, care homes can elevate their oral healthcare standards.

Take action today! Download our customised Oral Hygiene Care Plan and enrol in our Oral Healthcare course to ensure your team is equipped to provide exceptional care.

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