Caring for smiles

Question 1

What is Caring for Smiles?

Answer 1

• Guide for care homes for better oral care for dependent older people
• Promotes training and a support programme
• Oral care training for care home staff

Question 2

What are the main reasons oral care is important for older people?

Answer 2

• Health, nutrition, quality of life, communication and appearance.
• More are retaining natural teeth
• Can have detrimental impact on nutrition and hydration
• Makes pre-existing oral problems worse
• Dependent older people can’t perform own oral care

Question 3

What are the key messages for Caring for smiles?

Answer 3

• Oral health education – understand the importance
• Oral care for dentate patients
• Diet and Nutrition education
• Oral care for denture wearers and denture care
• Oral care for e-dentulous
• Oral care for patients with dementia
• Oral care for end of life
• Xerostomia
• How to spot changes in the mouth – oral cancer
• Documentation of the above care

Question 4

What are some tools and techniques to help when residents find oral care difficult?

Answer 4

• Develop routine with oral care
• Person may respond better to one person so get them involved
• Carry out task in distraction free environment and where they are comfortable
• Caring, friendly and gently
• Talk clear at residents pace
• Short sentences to explain
• Reassurance and positivity

Question 5

What techniques are useful is resident shows reluctance with oral care?

Answer 5

Bridging - Describe and show toothbrush to resident and mimic brushing own teeth

Chaining - Gently bringing residents hand to mouth which describing activity

Hand over hand - If chaining unsuccessful gently brush teeth and gums together

Distraction - Place familiar object in resident’s hand while you brush their teeth

Rescuing - Rescuer can come and take place if care assistant is unsuccessful