Measuring oral health impact among care home residents in Wales

Abstract

Objective: To explore inequalities in oral health impact among care home residents using OHIP-14 and ADHS criteria.

Basic research design: Cross-sectional survey with structured interview and clinical examination using 2009 ADHS criteria including OHIP-14. Comparisons were made between groups of residents and with findings from the ADHS 2009.

Participants: Care homes and residents were randomly selected. Those without capacity and non-English/Welsh speakers were excluded. 447 residents answered all OHIP-14 questions and had full oral examination.

Main outcome measure: OHIP-14.

Results: Reporting of OHIP problems was more common among care home residents compared with older people examined in the ADHS 2009 (50% vs 40%). There was no difference in the mean number of impacts between residents who were: dentate/edentate; denture wearing/non-denture wearing; with/without caries. Residents reporting 'problems and pain in your mouth at the moment', or 'occasional or more frequent dry mouth', more often experienced OHIP-14 impacts.

Conclusion: Compared with peers living in the community, both dentate and edentate care home residents are more likely to live with one or more impacts. Two simple questions related to 'Any problems and pain in your mouth?' and 'Do you have frequent dry mouth?' may help to target care home residents more likely to experience oral health impacts.

Keywords: dental care for the elderly; dental health status; nursing homes; quality of life.