Effects of Professional Oral Health Care Programs for Elderly Residents of Nursing Facilities

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a professional oral health care program on the oral health status and salivary flow of elderly people living in nursing homes.Methods: Elderly residents aged ≥ 65 years, living in a nursing home, were randomly assigned to either a one-week interval, two-week interval, or control group, and received an oral health intervention accordingly over a period of 12 weeks. Plaque index, tongue coating, gingival index, and salivary flow rate were compared before and after the oral health intervention within and between the groups.Results: The plaque, tongue coating, and gingival indices of the participants who received the oral health intervention decreased significantly; while the salivary flow rate significantly increased. Plaque, tongue coating, and gingival indices decreased most significantly in the one-week interval group, followed by the two-week interval group, relative to the control. The salivary flow rate increased most significantly in the one-week interval group, followed by the two-week interval group.Conclusion: A professional oral health care program is effective for improving the oral health and salivation of elderly residents in nursing homes and the effect was found to be greater with interventions provided at one-week intervals. Oral health care professionals, including dentists and dental hygienists, must regularly monitor and manage the oral health of elderly residents.