Oral Health Status of Elderly in Skilled Nursing Facilities

Objectives: The aim of this pilot study was to explore the oral health conditions identified in elders residing in three skilled nursing facilities (SNF) in Southern New Jersey.

Method: Medical records were retrospectively reviewed for patients 65 years, and older admitted to three SNFs between March 5 and May 18, 2007, and for whom completed nursing (NA) and a Minimum Data Set 2.00 (MDS) assessments were available. Data abstracted from the NA and MDS forms were used to describe the oral health conditions that were identified by the nurses during the conduct of the NA. SPSS 15.00 was used for data entry and analysis.

Results: Of the 300 patients, 45.33% (n=136) had dentures; of those with dentures, 71.32% (n=97) had full dentures, 27.94% (n=38) had partial dentures; less than 1.00% (n=1) had ill-fitting dentures. Thirty-nine percent of the patients (n=117) had >3 teeth missing, and 3.3% (n=10) had 1-3 teeth missing. Chewing or swallowing difficulty was identified in 12.67% (n=38) and 13.33% (n=40) of the patients respectively. Seven percent (n=21) of the patients had decayed teeth, and 2.67% (n=8) had broken teeth. Less than 1.00% (n=1) of the patients were identified with inflamed bleeding gums. Of the patients identified with “natural teeth”, only 14.3% (n=28) had “healthy teeth”.

Application and Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that patients in SNF have oral conditions that may impact oral function hence eating ability and indicate the need for oral intervention. These data can help identify the oral health services needed by patients in SNFs.

Funding: American Dietetic Association Foundation Colgate- Palmolive Fellowship