Good oral health is vitally important for people of all ages and even more so for older adults, seniors,
and the most vulnerable who are receiving care
in residential settings. Many people often enter long-term care with pre-existing oral conditions such
as periodontal disease, tooth decay, and broken or missing teeth. A further decline in oral health often
follows, primarily due to inadequate provision of daily mouth care.
To support real, positive oral health outcomes for residents in long-term care, new national standards
for long-term care homes must include oral health.
Ensuring that long-term care residents have access to the oral health care services and supports they
require based on their individual needs and circumstances, is essential for maintaining their dignity,
sense of pride, and quality of life.
Show your support!
Join the Canadian Dental Hygienists Association (CDHA) in letting politicians and decision makers know
that it’s time to support seniors' oral health! CDHA launched this digital letter-writing campaign on
January 31, 2022. Visit www.supportseniorsoralhealth.ca for more details.
Canadians say the state of oral health services in long-term care homes is minimal or non-existent
Results from a public opinion poll conducted for CDHA found that most Canadians give the state of oral
care for older Canadians and seniors a poor rating. These Abacus Data findings are from a national survey of 2,200 Canadian residents from
January 7 to 12, 2022.