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Updated: Jun 22, 2026
08:47
Oral Health Assessment by Lay Personnel for Older Adults
Published on: February 2, 2020
Poor oral hygiene in long-term care
Pamela S Stein1, Robert G Henry
1Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, KY, USA. pam.stein@uky.edu
The American Journal of Nursing
|May 30, 2009
Summary
Poor oral hygiene in long-term care increases risks for stroke, heart disease, and pneumonia. Nurses can improve patient outcomes by ensuring supplies, promoting care, and advocating for evidence-based practices.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Public Health
- Nursing
Background:
- Inadequate oral care is prevalent in long-term care facilities.
- Poor oral hygiene is linked to severe systemic health issues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the critical role of nurses in improving oral care for vulnerable residents.
- To outline actionable strategies for enhancing oral hygiene protocols in long-term care.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on oral care in long-term settings.
- Analysis of nursing interventions to promote oral health.
- Synthesis of evidence-based recommendations for clinical practice.
Main Results:
- Suboptimal oral care contributes to increased risks of stroke, heart disease, and pneumonia.
- Proactive nursing interventions can significantly mitigate these risks.
- Systematic promotion of oral care is essential for resident well-being.
Conclusions:
- Nurses are pivotal in advocating for and implementing effective oral care strategies.
- Ensuring adequate supplies and staff education are crucial first steps.
- Evidence-based recommendations presented during care conferences can drive practice change.
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