Assessment of the Impact of Oral Health Training for Caregivers on the Oral Health-related Quality of Life of Residents in Nursing Homes

As the number of older people in France increases, so does the need for care in nursing homes. Many older people entering these homes already have problems with their mouth and teeth, often due to issues like money worries, difficulty getting around, or memory problems. Unfortunately, these problems can sometimes get worse after they move in. This can happen because it's hard for care teams and dentists to talk to each other easily, and staff might not feel comfortable or knowledgeable enough about mouth care.

Mouth health is incredibly important. Our mouths help us chew food, talk, and smile, all of which are key to our overall well-being. When someone's mouth health declines, it can lead to difficulties eating, discomfort, pain, and problems communicating. Even though these issues can be serious, residents might not often complain about pain or problems with their teeth and gums until it's an emergency. This means that care staff need to be extra vigilant and well-prepared to help.

This study wants to show that by giving nursing home staff (like nurses and carers) specific training in mouth hygiene, we can improve their knowledge and skills. We hope this will lead to a better quality of life for residents, helping them to eat, talk, and generally feel better. We also aim to reduce any worries or discomfort staff might have about providing mouth care. By trying this new training approach, the study hopes to create a blueprint for better mouth care in nursing homes, ensuring residents are more comfortable and healthier.