More than half of older adults in care homes experience tooth decay, compared to 40% of over-75s living independently. Poor oral health can cause pain, disturbed sleep, and make it difficult for residents to eat, speak, and socialise. And the consequences go far beyond the mouth: poor dental hygiene is linked to increased risks of heart disease, strokes, Type 2 diabetes, and even Alzheimer’s disease. For residents already coping with long-term conditions like arthritis, Parkinson’s, or dementia, maintaining oral health becomes even more challenging – and more important.

Elderly residents often face barriers to good oral hygiene:

• Reduced dexterity or cognitive decline can make brushing and denture care difficult
• Many medications cause dry mouth, increasing the risk of dental problems
• Today, more residents enter care homes with their natural teeth intact, and these require more complex care than dentures
• Staff may lack training or confidence in providing oral care, especially for residents who resist help

When care staff receive training in oral health, residents experience significant improvements: less dental plaque, cleaner dentures, and better overall oral health. Residents also report a greater sense of well-being and enjoy the sensation of having fresh, clean teeth.

Supporting good dental hygiene doesn’t have to be complicated. Below is a selection of easy-to-follow strategies to help you and your team support better dental health.

Make oral care routine and personal:

• Brush natural teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
• Clean dentures daily, removing them overnight and using the resident’s preferred cleaning products
• Use the resident’s choice of toothbrush, manual or electric
• Establish a consistent daily routine for mouth care; familiarity helps residents feel more comfortable

Empower residents where possible:

• Encourage independence by placing toothbrushes and toothpaste within easy reach, and sitting residents in front of a mirror
• Use step-by-step cues and encouragement, especially for those with dementia
• Guide residents through each stage, explaining what you’re doing and why

When providing additional support:

• If a resident refuses dental care, try to understand why (pain, fear, timing) and adapt your approach – let the resident hold their toothbrush, or distract them with conversation or music
• Use ‘tell-show-do’ techniques when giving assistance: explain, demonstrate, then let the resident do it themselves while you provide help if needed
• If a standard toothbrush feels awkward or uncomfortable for the resident, choose a gentler alternative such as the MC3 Mouth Cleanser

Know the signs of dental problems:

• Train staff to recognise signs of dental pain or infection, such as changes in eating habits, speech or behaviour
• Know when and how to seek advice from dental professionals, and report concerns promptly
• Reassess oral health regularly, especially after changes in health or medication

A 2019 report by the CQC found that nearly half of care homes do not provide staff training on dental care. So, to encourage a culture where oral health is an integral part of overall care, consider providing regular training on this aspect of health for all care staff. This way, you’ll ensure that your care teams are able to support residents with different needs, including those with reduced dexterity or cognitive decline. 

Having an oral health policy for your care home where you can set out daily routines, staff roles and referral pathways to local dental services will help you deliver better care for all residents.

Actions to take to support your dental care policy:

• Make dental products readily available and accessible for all residents
• Assign a team member as an oral health champion 
• Partner with local dental professionals to arrange regular check-ups and hygiene visits

Review oral health assessments and mouth care at least every six months, or more frequently if the resident’s health status changes or if there are signs of oral discomfort or disease

Proactive dental care not only reduces the risk of oral disease but also lowers the risk of serious health conditions and enhances residents’ quality of life and sense of confidence. Support your oral care protocols with products from our range of personal care supplies – all carefully selected to give you high performance and excellent value for money. By prioritising dental hygiene, training your staff, and making oral care a routine part of daily life, you can make a profound difference to the health and happiness of your residents. Because good oral health is not just about teeth – it’s about dignity, comfort, and well-being for every person in your care.