Implementation of oral hygiene practices in nursing homes - a qualitative approach among supervisor nurses.

Objectives: This study describes daily oral health care in private enhanced service housing units and nursing homes in Finland using a qualitative method.

Methods: Nineteen supervisor nurses were interviewed in the six largest cities in Finland. The interviews consisted of semi-structured questions. The interviews were then transcribed and analyzed using inductive content analysis.

Results: The qualitative content analysis revealed five main categories: diet, education in the oral health of older people, oral care equipment and taking care of them, caring for the mouths of residents, and professional oral health care. The results revealed that sugary snacks were given daily in the units and there was a need for oral health care education. The dental equipment of residents was taken care of well and the oral health of the residents was taken care of moderately well. Furthermore, there was a need for co-operation between dental professionals and only half of the residents had an individual oral care plan.

Conclusions: It can be concluded that based on this qualitative study, the implementation of daily oral health care in most nursing homes and enhanced housing units seems to be at a sufficient level and more oral health-related practical and theoretical education is needed.