Common misconceptions about oral health in the older adult: nursing practices

Abstract

A survey of nurses, director-supervisors, and nursing home health aides who provide home care in Iowa showed that many misconceptions exist about what constitutes appropriate oral and dental care practices for the older adult. Despite differences in formal education among these nursing personnel, several misunderstandings about dental problems among older adults were common to all three employment groups. These misconceptions represented a broad range of topics from the characteristics of oral cancer lesions to the appropriate use of denture adhesives; two dealt specifically with the recognition of potential oral cancer lesions. This paper describes attitudes and misinformation held by the respondents, and suggests ways to correct these fallacies through in-service training programs.

The knowledge of healthcare professionals regarding elderly persons' oral care

“…The results of this study broadly agree with other previous studies, 18,[21][22][23][24] in that deficiencies exist in healthcare professionals' knowledge of the appropriate oral care regimens for elderly people. These results further support the theory that deficiencies in knowledge may be associated with their own anxieties about dental attendance.…”

“…17 Separate studies in the USA and in the UK reported gaps in the knowledge of nursing staff in hospitals, but also reported a high level of interest in improving their ability to provide oral care services. 18,19 Rak and Warren 20 reported there to be a lack of specific dental knowledge in UK nursing staff and misconceptions over a broad range of topics were common, particularly in the recognition of oral cancer lesions 21 which may have significant effects on patients' health. This reluctance may be due to oral care assistance being seen as more disagreeable than other nursing activities.…”

An evaluation of an oral health training programme for carers of the elderly in residential homes

“…There was practical involvement of the carers in cleaning each others' teeth, a video, information on diet and discussion time. The training incorporated recommendations made in other studies 9,21,22 and the introduction of a basic oral health assessment and individual oral care plans for all residents to be included with their general healthcare plans. [14][15][16] At the end of the session all participants received a training manual, a box of suitable samples and oral health aids, information leaflets and lists of places to obtain similar products.…”

Assistência à saúde bucal em residências geriátricas de Granada, Espanha e Santa Catarina, Brasil*

“…Enquanto a diferença de expectativa de vida entre brasileiros e espanhóis é de aproximadamente oito anos, esse tempo é encurtado para quatro anos entre catarinenses e andaluzes. 10 16 O setor público tem discretíssima presença como produtor desses serviços, que geralmente são oferecidos por entidades do terceiro setor, vinculadas a organizações religiosas, ou pela iniciativa privada com finalidade de lucro. 12 21 Em outro estudo, em 1998, foram avaliadas as condições de saúde bucal, exclusivamente dos idosos institucionalizados.…”

“…[2][3][4][5][6][7] Tais fragilidades geralmente estão associadas à ausência de protocolos de procedimentos, falta de uma programação de assistência odontológica especializada, ausência de programas de orientação e capacitação dos cuidadores 8,9 e insuficiente atenção do setor público. 1 Acrescente-se, também, certo grau de desinformação e atitudes e concepções equivocadas em relação aos assuntos de saú-de bucal entre os gestores e responsáveis pelas ILPIs, 10 as quais quase sempre se defrontam com limitações financeiras e de infraestrutura.…”