Let’s Talk About Oral Care in Home Care Plans

When creating individualized care plans for seniors and individuals with disabilities, oral care often gets overshadowed by tasks like medication reminders, mobility assistance, or meal prep. But here’s the truth: oral health is directly tied to overall health—and it deserves a front seat in your care planning.

Seniors and individuals with disabilities may struggle with dexterity, cognition, or energy, which can make basic oral hygiene tasks like brushing, flossing, or cleaning dentures difficult. That’s where home care comes in.

Your agency’s caregivers can provide essential support such as:

• Daily brushing & flossing assistance (or using floss picks/interdental brushes)
• Denture cleaning and proper storage
• Hydration reminders to combat dry mouth (a common side effect of many medications)
• Monitoring for signs of infection, irritation, or sores in the mouth
• Applying mouth moisturizers or oral rinses as needed

It’s not just about fresh breath. Poor oral hygiene in vulnerable populations can lead to:

• Gum disease
• Tooth loss
• Oral thrush or fungal infections
• Oral cancer
• Pneumonia (due to aspiration of oral bacteria)

Complications with heart health due to inflamed gums

🩺 For individuals with a history of oral cancer, receding gums, or autoimmune conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome, caregivers must be even more mindful. These conditions may require special products, softer brushes, or professional oral rinses—all of which should be noted in the care plan.

✨ Tip for Agency Owners:

Include oral care in your ADLs checklist, caregiver training, and client assessments. Build relationships with local dental clinics for educational resources—or even potential partnerships.

Oral care is personal care. And when you include it intentionally, you’re not just protecting a smile—you’re protecting a life.

📩 P.S. This kind of tip will soon ONLY be shared with my email list. Don’t miss out on Home Care Biz Hacks, Tips & Tricks exclusively inside the Savvy Home Care Society.