Every nursing home is different when it comes to oral care. That's why it's important for you to do a little research when it comes to selecting a nursing home for you or someone you love. For instance, some nursing homes schedule dentists and dental teams to come and provide care on the premises. In other cases, you may need to arrange visits yourself or may need to drive your loved one to the office. The most important thing to keep in mind as we get older is that good dental care still matters.
Every skilled nursing home is required to have a care plan for oral care. As your parents decline cognitively and physically, their care plan at the nursing home should be modified to accommodate these changes. This is usually completed by a nurse who may not have adequately assessed your parent's abilities or changed the care plan as your parents have declined. Ask for a copy of the care plan and take it to the dentist appointment to have the dental professional determine if the care plan is appropriate. In addition, if your parents are at risk for tooth decay, ask the dentist or the physician to write a prescription for an antimicrobial rinse called Chlorhexidine for the nursing staff to brush the teeth with. This will reduce the bacterial load in the mouth and requires the nurse to sign off that it has been performed. Daily fluoride prescriptions are less effective in nursing homes because the fluoride cannot penetrate through plaque and food debris that is often not removed before the fluoride is applied. Instead, I would recommend for your parents to see the dentist more frequently for cleanings and fluoride applications performed by the dental hygienist to ensure the fluoride is effective.
More than likely, your parent's are not having their teeth brushed and flossed on a daily basis. Teeth are not considered a priority, when other health issues are in high demand. Some nursing homes are fortunate to have a mobile dentist that visits the facility. See if you can take your parent to a dentist, or have one visit them at the residence. Many nursing home patients are on anti-depressants and other medications that dry out their mouth. You can help by checking with the medical doctor to see if they are on the right drugs. You can help by giving your parent some sugar-free candies and gum that are sweetened with Xylitol, a natural sugar that decreases the bacteria in the mouth. Check with the nursing staff to be sure what you give them is OK. Ask that your parent take out their denture or partial at night to allow the gum tissue to breathe and heal. Make sure those are labeled with their name so not to lose them.
Nursing homes and assisted living facilities may or may not have some sort of oral health programs. Ask your parent's care facility what oral health care they offer, you may need to help your mother get the dental health care she needs and deserves. Poor oral health has been reported for elderly patients in nursing homes and assisted living facilities across the nation and world.
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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.