IADR Abstract Archives
Oral Health and Nutrition of Older Adults in Care Homes: A Scoping Review
Objectives: In care homes, many older adults now retain their natural teeth, but they face a heightened risk of dental issues due to the effects of aging and reduced dexterity in maintaining oral hygiene. Additionally, the management of malnutrition in care homes often involves high sugar diets, which contributes to tooth decay. Unfortunately, dental care in care homes in the United Kingdom is currently inadequate, with limited emphasis on preventive measures. Hence, it is crucial to prioritize the prevention of oral diseases while simultaneously upholding nutritional standards to enhance the overall quality of life for older adults in care homes. This review examines the existing body of literature exploring the relationship between dietary intake, nutritional status, and the oral health of older adults in care homes.
Methods: The review followed Arksey and O'Malley's framework. MEDLINE, CINAHL, Web of Science, and EMBASE were searched for relevant studies.
Results: 43 eligible studies examining the nutrition and oral health of older adults in care homes were identified, published between 1989 and 2022. Most studies examined the impact of oral health characteristics on subsequent nutritional deficiencies in older adults, such as the impact of reduced oral functions caused by tooth loss, poor oral hygiene, impaired mastication, xerostomia, and dysphagia. Other studies highlighted the influence of cognitive functions, functional abilities, and care home staff on residents' oral health and nutrition. Few studies examined the impact of nutritional characteristics on the oral health of older adults.
Conclusions: Qualitative and longitudinal research focused on the negative impacts of consuming sugary food and drinks on the oral health of older adults in care homes is lacking. More in-depth studies to investigate key stakeholders’ perceptions of the link between dietary intake and oral health, the implementation of dietary modifications and adaptability of these modifications are deemed necessary.
Methods: The review followed Arksey and O'Malley's framework. MEDLINE, CINAHL, Web of Science, and EMBASE were searched for relevant studies.
Results: 43 eligible studies examining the nutrition and oral health of older adults in care homes were identified, published between 1989 and 2022. Most studies examined the impact of oral health characteristics on subsequent nutritional deficiencies in older adults, such as the impact of reduced oral functions caused by tooth loss, poor oral hygiene, impaired mastication, xerostomia, and dysphagia. Other studies highlighted the influence of cognitive functions, functional abilities, and care home staff on residents' oral health and nutrition. Few studies examined the impact of nutritional characteristics on the oral health of older adults.
Conclusions: Qualitative and longitudinal research focused on the negative impacts of consuming sugary food and drinks on the oral health of older adults in care homes is lacking. More in-depth studies to investigate key stakeholders’ perceptions of the link between dietary intake and oral health, the implementation of dietary modifications and adaptability of these modifications are deemed necessary.