Oral health problems in nursing homes, revision of oral health care delivery is needed

Abstract

Prevalence of oral health problems among nursing home residents is common, they suffer from oral diseases and need dental service. The aim of this study was to examine clinical oral health of Icelandic nursing home residents and their oral health quality of life. Total (N=82) residents in two nursing homes in Reykjavik gave their consent to be involved in this descriptive cross-sectional study. Residents participated in a clinical oral health examination at site and answered oral health quality of life questionnaire. Total 89% (N=73) residents completed the study, mean age 86.8 years (SD=5.7, range 73-100 years), of whom third had their own teeth and like had teeth, and partial dentures, while 41.1% were completely edentulous. The clinical oral health examination showed high prevalence of untreated oral health problems (67%). Residents with the worst oral health scored significantly higher than those who were better dentate, affecting their oral health quality of life (p=0.014), functional limitation (p=0.002) and physical disability (p=0.000). Most oral health problems interrelated to chewing, eating and limited ability to eat certain foods affecting their capability of food intake. Current administration of oral health care in nursing home needs alteration and the qualification in geriatric oral health and oral health care must be guaranteed among nursing staff in these settings. The public and health professions should work together in oral care matters in nursing homes to maintain oral health and lifelong oral health quality of life among residents.