Attitudes and perceptions of health professionals on oral health and quality of life in a long-term care facility for older adults

Abstract

Encouraging better oral hygiene practices is crucial for preventing periodontal disease. The foundation of periodontal care particularly focuses on maintaining personal oral hygiene to remove supra and subgingival plaque, a key factor in preventing periodontal disease. Mechanical removal, through practices like brushing and flossing, significantly influences periodontal tissue stability. Effective oral hygiene relies on motivated individuals with proper skills and access to cleaning devices and instructions (Mariotti & Hefti, 2015). Encouraging better oral hygiene practices is crucial for preventing periodontal disease and caries. Understanding factors motivating these practices, such as age and gender, aids behaviour change initiatives (Raison et al., 2020). Periodontal treatment success depends on individuals' commitment to maintaining excellent oral hygiene. Prevention strategies involve patient-performed biofilm control and professional plaque removal, effectively reducing inflammation and periodontitis prevalence (Newton & Asimakopoulou, 2017). Specialized oral health aids and simplified instructions are vital for geriatric individuals, especially those with cognitive impairments. Therefore, educating health professionals and caregivers and customizing oral maintenance appointments, further optimize oral health care in long term care facilities. Effective prevention and tailored care are essential for preserving oral well-being across all ages (Grusovin, 2019). The objective of this study is to evaluate the perspectives regarding daily oral care and the quality of life among health professionals working at St. Vincent de Paul, a long-term care facility for older adults.