Promoting oral health in institutionalised older adults: a nursing perspective

Current demographic trends necessitate that increased attention be paid to problems arising in the older population. One such area relates to the oral cavity, which may be affected by both the effects of aging and the effects of disease and illness. Yet the evidence shows a significant lack of adequate oral care, which may create major problems for affected individuals, causing oral and dental problems that may, in turn, predispose to nutritional deficiencies, communication difficulties and devastating dental disease (Ogle, 1982). This paper reviews the literature pertaining to this complex subject, concluding that although nurses have an important role in providing effective oral care for the institutionalised patient, it is difficult to identify appropriate techniques, agents and tools with which to provide such care. Further research in this field is undoubtedly needed.