Denture hygiene care for residents in nursing homes in North Wales

Abstract

Many elderly people who reside in nursing homes are dependent on care staff for all aspects of care, including oral health and denture hygiene. The aim of this study was to investigate the provision of one aspect of oral care, denture hygiene, in nursing homes in North Wales. Out of the 20 nursing homes identified for inclusion in the study, 10 nursing homes agreed to participate. The results of the study showed that denture hygiene care for elderly residents was still far from ideal. Perceived barriers to the provision of care include lack of training and a poor understanding of the importance of denture hygiene. In general the carers were keen to have training in oral and denture hygiene. This study has highlighted that one fundamental and important aspect of oral care for elderly residents, denture hygiene, is still a problem. This vulnerable group of individuals are not receiving essential care required to enhance their quality of life.