Oral hygiene for people with dementia frequently overlooked

An England-wide study has found the health of people’s mouths and teeth is often overlooked by home care services.

The study, led by the University of Portsmouth in collaboration with King’s College London and Queen Mary University of London, has revealed critical insights that could improve social care practices. The research was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research – School for Social Care Research (NIHR SSCR).

The researchers analysed ‘Care Act’ assessments for people with dementia who live at home and receive family support and/or paid care services. They found oral hygiene is not always addressed in the plans, and as a result, this aspect of personal care can be forgotten about or not recorded.