What it is: Oral health covers the ability to eat, speak and socialise without discomfort or active disease in the teeth, mouth or gums.
Why it matters: People in need of palliative care or at the end of life often have poor oral health. Treatment for cancer can cause poor oral health. Good oral health is important to quality of life and wellbeing. It affects the person’s ability to eat, speak and interact with others. Oral care provided by careworkers helps.
What I need to know: Poor oral and dental health can be associated with:
- dry mouth (xerostomia)
- bad breath
- bleeding gums, tooth decay and tooth loss
- being withdrawn and behaviour changes
- pain and discomfort
- swallowing and nutritional problems, and weight loss
- speech difficulties and problems with social interactions
- increased risk of respiratory infection or other infections.
Whether the older person has natural teeth or dentures, it is important to keep a good routine for cleaning the teeth, mouth and lips. The person may not say if they have pain or discomfort. Look for signs including pulling at face, chewing at lip or tongue or not eating.