Oral health care interventions for older adults living in nursing homes: An umbrella review

This review aims to assess the impact of oral health care interventions on the overall health enhancement and prevention of disease among older adults residing in nursing homes. A systematic search was conducted for reviews published between January 2012 and December 2022, focusing on oral health in nursing home settings. Seventeen reviews met the inclusion criteria, encompassing studies involving older adults, their families, and nursing home staff. Various databases, including PubMed, CINAHL Complete, Scopus, and others, were searched, and quality assessments were performed using established guidelines.

Findings suggest a correlation between oral health and nutritional status, with potential implications for pneumonia prevention through professional oral health care. However, recommendations for interventions remain elusive due to insufficient evidence, particularly regarding the effectiveness of oral health education for caregivers. Despite a documented low oral health-related quality of life among older nursing home residents, oral health promotion programs show promise in addressing this issue.

In conclusion, there is a pressing need to enhance oral health among older adults in nursing homes. While certain interventions demonstrate potential effectiveness, the current evidence lacks consistency and comprehensiveness. Future research efforts should prioritize collaborative approaches between practice and research to explore diverse outcomes and ensure optimal practice.