The evidence suggests that poor oral hygiene among institutionalized elders is a much greater problem than commonly realized. Oral hygiene for this population typically has been perceived as a burden, but good oral care has significant benefits for both the quality of life and overall general health of frail elders. Nurses can play a critical role in improving oral health care for these older adults, thus promoting better patient outcomes. Evidences suggest that supervised oral health care in residential care homes for elderly people is more effective in improving oral health and oral health care of the residents.(26)
A systematic review aimed to review implementation strategies used to promote or improve oral health care for older people in long-term care facilities concluded that knowledge, self-efficacy, and facilitation of behaviour are determinants that are often addressed in implementation strategies for successful improvement of oral health care in older patients.(27) Evidence also suggest that professional cleaning of teeth and dentures, with individual instruction, can be recommended to improve oral hygiene of the elderly.(28)
Hence the nursing and related health-care professions can support the efforts of caregivers by recognizing, recommending, and supporting best practices in this important area.