Dependent Care
Implementing oral hygiene protocols in nursing facilities and dependent care settings decreases the incidence of pneumonias and prevents 1 in 10 pneumonia deaths.
Online resources are available for providing oral health education for nursing staff.
Oral Hygiene Protocols
- Staff members are educated about the importance of oral care.
- Designated oral hygiene aides are trained.
- Oral assessment is performed.
- Supplies are available.
- Daily care is documented.
- Oral care occurs with limited interruptions.
- Infection control protocols are maintained
References
Bassim CW, Gibson G, et al. Modification of the risk of mortality from pneumonia with oral hygiene care. JAGS 2008; 56(9):1601-07.
Sjögren P, Nilsson E, Forsell M, et al. A systematic review of the preventive effect of oral hygiene on pneumonia and respiratory tract infection in elderly people in hospitals and nursing homes: effect estimates and methodological quality of randomized controlled trials. J Am Geriatr Soc 2008; 56:2124–30.
Nursing Home Oral Health: A Blueprint for Success 2012. Accessed on 3/7/2014
McGilton KS, Boscart V, Fox M, et al. A systematic review of the effectiveness of communication interventions for health care providers caring for patients in residential care settings. Worldviews Evid Based Nurs. 2009; 6(3):149–159.