Oral health in care homes

The draft standard calls on care homes to assess the oral health needs of their residents and record these in personal care plans. Residents should then be supported to clean their teeth twice a day or their dentures daily.

AGE UK estimates 426,000 people live in care homes, approximately 405,000 of whom are over 65.

Professor Elizabeth Kay MBE, foundation dean of Peninsula Dental School, Plymouth University, professor and consultant in dental public health and specialist committee member, said: “Looking after someone’s mouth should be as much a part of the care expected as ensuring their personal hygiene and providing adequate clean clothing. Helping care home residents with this basic daily routine maintains not only their oral health but, just as importantly, enhances their dignity and self esteem.”

A report from Public Health England suggested just 61 per cent of care homes in the West Midlands carry out oral health assessments on admission and 77 per cent of care homes in the North West include oral health in the overall care plan.