[Cost-Effective, Easy-to-Implement, but Still-Neglected Oral Hygiene]

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Gerontology
• Nursing

Background:

• Aging populations face challenges with chewing difficulties, malnutrition, and health issues linked to poor oral hygiene.
• Despite advanced dental care, natural teeth offer superior health maintenance compared to artificial solutions.
• Poor oral hygiene is associated with increased risks of periodontal disease, tooth loss, chronic diseases, and mortality, particularly in rural areas.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the critical role of the nursing profession in enhancing oral hygiene care across different life stages.
• To advocate for improved oral hygiene practices to meet and exceed World Health Organization (WHO) oral health goals.
• To demonstrate the value of Taiwan's National Health Insurance system in promoting national oral health.

Main Methods:

• Literature review on the association between oral hygiene and general health.
• Analysis of current oral hygiene concepts and behaviors in Taiwan.
• Proposal for nursing interventions focusing on prevention and health promotion.

Main Results:

• Many individuals lack proper understanding of oral health's link to general health and utilize dental resources inadequately.
• Poor oral hygiene practices contribute to significant dental issues like tooth decay and tooth loss across age groups.
• Taiwan's current oral health status falls short of WHO targets.

Conclusions:

• Nurses are pivotal in improving oral hygiene quality through interventions during school age, active adulthood, and elderly adulthood.
• Enhanced oral hygiene practices can lead to better general health outcomes and improved quality of life.
• A proactive approach to oral hygiene, supported by national health initiatives, is essential for public health advancement.