Oral health is a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of overall wellbeing, particularly for older adults living in care homes. As we mark World Oral Health Day on 20 March 2026, it is vital to recognise that good mouth care is not simply about teeth – it is fundamental to dignity, nutrition, communication, comfort and general health.

Oral health plays a fundamental role in the overall wellbeing of older adults, particularly those living in care settings. Poor oral hygiene is not confined to the mouth – it has far-reaching consequences for physical health, emotional wellbeing and quality of life. For frail residents or those living with dementia, untreated oral pain or infection may go unnoticed and instead present as agitation, withdrawal, changes in behaviour or refusal to eat, symptoms that can easily be misunderstood. When mouth care is overlooked, the impact can be serious and systemic.

Poor oral health in older adults is associated with:

• Malnutrition and weight loss, due to pain or difficulty chewing
• Increased risk of aspiration pneumonia, linked to oral bacteria
• Poorer diabetes control, as gum disease can affect blood glucose levels
• Cardiovascular complications, associated with chronic oral inflammation
• Reduced speech clarity and social interaction, affecting confidence
• Lower self-esteem and dignity, particularly where appearance or bad breath are concerns

Good oral care is therefore not an optional extra or routine task to be rushed – it is a vital component of safe, compassionate and person-centred care that protects both health and dignity.

The most recent UK data continues to highlight significant concerns. The Adult Oral Health Survey (2021), published by NHS England and the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID), found that:

• Nearly 1 in 10 adults aged 65+ experience frequent oral pain.
• A significant proportion of older adults have untreated dental decay.
• People living in deprived areas are substantially more likely to have poor oral health outcomes.

Earlier research from Public Health England found that up to 50% of care home residents experienced tooth decay, and many had urgent dental treatment needs. Although Public Health England has since transitioned into OHID and the UK Health Security Agency, the concern remains: oral disease in care homes is common and often preventable.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) continues to provide clear direction through guideline NG48, “Oral health for adults in care homes” (last reviewed in 2018), which outlines the standards for promoting and maintaining good oral hygiene. The guideline stresses the importance of assessing each resident’s oral health on admission, developing individual care plans, and ensuring regular daily support with brushing and dental care.

Even with clear guidance, implementation can be challenging. Workforce pressures, high staff turnover and limited access to dental services all contribute to inconsistent practice. Another of these challenges is the skill and confidence of care staff. Many carers are not adequately trained to identify or manage oral health issues, which can result in neglect – whether unintentional or due to time pressures. This is where specialist training becomes essential.

As one of the largest healthcare training providers in the UK, Acute Training Solutions offers tailored training programmes specifically designed to enhance the skills and understanding of care home staff in supporting oral health for the elderly. Our Personal and Oral Hygiene training course includes recognising signs of oral disease, performing daily oral hygiene.

Investing in specialist training does more than support positive inspection outcomes – it directly improves residents’ comfort, dignity and quality of life. By partnering with an experienced provider such as Acute Training Solutions, care organisations can ensure their teams are not only compliant with current guidance and regulatory expectations, but also skilled, proactive and confident in delivering this essential component of person-centred care.

As we look ahead to World Oral Health Day 2026, care providers are encouraged to use the occasion as a catalyst for action – reviewing oral health policies, auditing care plans, refreshing staff training and engaging families in understanding the importance of daily mouth care. Improving oral health in care homes is both achievable and essential.

With clear guidance, well-trained staff and strong leadership, oral care can become an embedded and valued part of holistic care delivery – supporting not just a healthy smile, but better nutrition, clearer communication, greater confidence and an improved quality of life for residents.