Rationale and key points

Older people living in nursing and care homes are susceptible to developing oral health issues due, for example, to cognitive, physical and medical issues or conditions; therefore, an oral health assessment is a fundamental aspect of care for this population. Suboptimal oral health can result in pain and difficulty eating, drinking and communicating and can adversely affect the individual’s comfort and dignity. Undertaking an effective and systematic oral health assessment can support nurses to identify oral health risk factors and evaluate the level of support individuals need to maintain optimal oral health:

• An oral health assessment should be completed on an individual’s admission to a nursing or care home and regularly thereafter to ensure early identification of any issues.

• Nurses should use a validated oral health assessment tool, amend the individual’s care plan as appropriate and instigate relevant care and/or a dental referral based on the outcomes.

• An individualised oral care plan should be developed for each resident and should include daily oral hygiene routines, the use of dentures (if applicable) and access to dental care services.

Reflective activity

‘How to’ articles can help to update your practice and ensure it is evidence-based. Apply this article to your practice. Reflect on its contents and write a short account of:

• How this article might improve your practice in undertaking an oral health assessment.

• How you could use this information to educate nursing students or colleagues about undertaking oral health assessments.