Denture hygiene in Residential Aged Care Facilities (RACFs)

Overview

Initiative type

Model of Care

Status

Deliver

Published

24 August 2021

Summary

By implementing new care protocols, Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service (wide Bay HHS) has resulted in a reduction of the incidence of aspiration pneumonia and subsequent hospitalisation.

Key dates

Jan 2021

Implementation sites

Residential Aged Care Facilities

Partnerships

Qld Oral Health and RACF

Aim

To implement new denture care protocols in Residential Aged Care Facilities (RACF) that will allow for dentures to be cleaned to remove pathogen laden plaque and biofilm and reduce the incidence of aspiration pneumonia and subsequent hospitalisation.

Outcomes

  • resident self-esteem
  • compliance by carers and nursing staff
  • reduction in Emergency Department (ED) admissions and hospitalisations from aspiration pneumonia related illness

Background

  • Denture Hygiene is paramount to the overall health of residents of aged care facilities and can contribute to the reduction of hospitalisations from pneumonia related illness.
  • Research shows that overall improved oral health reduces pneumonia.

Methods

Dentures are placed in a plaque and tartar remover solution (sold commercially) and then in an ultrasonic cleaner for the required period.

This method is the only one that removes all plaque and biofilm that normal commercial cleaners fail to do.

Discussion

An immediate difference was visible, with carers and nursing staff more willing to participate in denture hygiene if a result is achievable.

Lessons learnt

Important to engage stakeholders to ensure understand importance of oral care in RACF.

This is only one step towards complete Oral Care, and it involves other disciplines such as dentists and nursing staff to complete the circle.

Key contact

Glenn Campbell

Senior Dental Prosthetist

Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service

Email:  glenn.campbell@health.qld.gov.au

Last updated: August 2021

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