SL117-Oral Care Policy

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

Oral Care Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that all people we support receive high-quality oral care as part of their overall health and well-being. Oral health is essential to preventing pain, infections, and systemic health issues and contributes significantly to dignity, self-esteem, and social interactions. Poor oral health can lead to malnutrition, discomfort, and an increased risk of systemic diseases such as pneumonia, diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, and even cognitive decline in older adults.

This policy aligns with Regulation 9 (Person-Centred Care), Regulation 10 (Dignity and Respect), Regulation 12 (Safe Care and Treatment), and Regulation 14 (Meeting Nutritional and Hydration Needs) of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014. It also considers the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) Guidelines on Oral Health for Adults in Care (NG48), which provide evidence-based recommendations on promoting and maintaining oral health in care settings.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all staff, including full-time, part-time, agency, and voluntary workers within {{org_field_name}} who provide direct or indirect care to the people we support. It covers daily oral care routines, oral health assessments, support for people with specific needs, staff training, and liaison with dental professionals.

All individuals receiving support within our organisation, regardless of their level of dependency, should have access to appropriate oral health services, including daily care, dental check-ups, and treatment for any issues arising. Oral care must be provided in a way that respects personal choices, cultural preferences, and individual autonomy while ensuring adequate health standards are maintained.

3. Related Policies

This policy should be read in conjunction with the following:

SL07 – Person-Centred Care Policy – Ensures that all support plans reflect individual needs and preferences, including oral health.
SL08 – Dignity and Respect Policy – Ensures that oral care is provided in a manner that upholds the dignity of the person receiving support.
SL12 – Meeting Nutritional and Hydration Needs Policy – Highlights the link between diet, hydration, and oral health.
SL11 – Safe Care and Treatment Policy – Ensures that oral care is delivered safely and effectively.
SL18 – Risk Management and Assessment Policy – Identifies and mitigates risks associated with oral health issues.
SL42 – Communication and Engagement with People We Support and Families Policy – Encourages communication about oral health needs between staff, individuals, and their families.

4. Principles of Oral Care Management

4.1 Person-Centred Approach

Each person we support is an individual with unique needs and preferences. Oral care must be tailored to:

Their personal choices and independence level.
Their physical ability to perform oral hygiene tasks.
Any medical conditions that impact their oral health (e.g., diabetes, stroke, dementia, cancer treatment, autoimmune diseases such as Sjögren’s syndrome).
Their ability to consent and make decisions regarding their oral care under the Mental Capacity Act 2005.

Where a person lacks capacity, decisions should be made in their best interests, involving family members, advocates, and dental professionals where appropriate.

4.2 Promotion of Good Oral Hygiene Practices

To maintain good oral health, staff must ensure:

Twice-daily toothbrushing with fluoride toothpaste (unless contraindicated by a medical professional).
Regular oral health checks to identify early signs of oral health issues, such as swelling, ulcers, bleeding gums, or changes in eating habits.
Support for individuals using dentures, oral prosthetics, or orthodontic appliances to maintain hygiene and prevent infections.
Provision of access to dental professionals for both routine and emergency care.
The use of appropriate aids such as electric toothbrushes, interdental brushes, and mouth rinses to meet individual needs.
Encouraging independence in oral care whenever possible by providing adapted equipment or prompting where necessary.

5. Oral Health Assessments

5.1 Initial Oral Health Assessment

Each individual will have an oral health assessment completed upon admission. This assessment will include:

A review of their oral hygiene habits and any history of dental issues.
Identification of any existing dental conditions or previous treatments.
Evaluation of conditions that could affect oral health, such as dry mouth, medication side effects, cognitive impairments, or swallowing difficulties.
A risk assessment for potential oral health problems, including gum disease and tooth decay.
Determination of the person’s level of independence and need for staff support with oral care.

This assessment must be reviewed at least every six months and updated if there are any changes in health, medication, or ability to maintain oral hygiene.

5.2 Individualised Oral Care Plans

Following the assessment, an individual oral care plan will be developed. This will include:

Daily oral care routines and the level of support required.
Recommended frequency of dental check-ups and treatment plans.
Adjustments needed due to sensory issues, physical impairments, or phobias.
Instructions on nutritional modifications for better oral health.
Guidance on communication strategies for individuals who have difficulty expressing pain or discomfort in their mouth.

Oral care plans must be reviewed regularly and updated whenever an individual’s needs change.

6. Supporting People with Specific Needs

6.1 Supporting Individuals with Dementia or Cognitive Impairments

Staff must use visual prompts, step-by-step guidance, and verbal encouragement.
Techniques such as mirroring (brushing together) can be effective.
If resistance occurs, alternative strategies should be explored, such as changing the time or approach to oral care.
Consideration should be given to using flavored toothpaste or different textures to encourage cooperation.

6.2 Supporting Individuals with Physical Disabilities

Adaptive equipment such as long-handled toothbrushes, suction toothbrushes, and mouth props should be provided.
Staff assisting with oral care must follow safe handling techniques to avoid injury.
Where a person has limited manual dexterity, additional techniques such as power-assisted toothbrushes may be used.

6.3 Managing Pain and Dental Phobias

Staff should recognise signs of oral pain, such as reluctance to eat, aggression, or distress.
Referral to specialist dental services may be needed for desensitisation techniques or sedation dentistry.
Anxiety-reducing techniques such as music, distraction, and gradual exposure to dental environments should be encouraged.

7. Nutrition and Oral Health

A diet low in sugar and acidic foods must be encouraged to prevent tooth decay.
Staff should promote hydration to prevent dry mouth, which increases the risk of cavities and infections.
Individuals requiring modified diets (e.g., pureed food) should receive additional oral care support.
Limiting alcohol and tobacco use should be encouraged as they contribute to poor oral health.

8. Access to Dental Care

8.1 Routine Dental Appointments

Individuals should attend dental check-ups every six months unless advised otherwise.
Where necessary, a community dental service should be arranged for those unable to visit a dental clinic.
Coordination with mobile dental services should be considered to provide on-site dental care.

8.2 Emergency Dental Care

Staff must be trained to identify urgent dental issues, such as severe pain, abscesses, and trauma.
Immediate referrals should be made to emergency dental services.

9. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure compliance with current legislation and best practices.

Responsible Person: {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}
Reviewed on: {{last_update_date}}
Next Review Date: {{next_review_date}}
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