Residents of Long-Term Care Facilities may be neglecting an essential aspect of their good health -- oral and dental hygiene. As many Long-Term Care residents cannot adequately care for themselves and staff members may not be trained to provide proper daily oral hygiene, infections can occur, most without pain or other symptoms. Research shows that dental infections contribute to and/or cause many systemic diseases, such as pneumonia, diabetes and malnutrition. Without a professional exam and periodic preventive care, patients can develop chronic infections before caregivers are alerted to the problem.

Saliva is the mouths natural defense system and is necessary for chewing, swallowing and talking. Dry mouth (xerostomia) occurs when saliva flow is very low. In addition to being uncomfortable and reducing overall quality of life, dry mouth can also increase the chance of dental decay and oral infections. Causes of dry mouth may include medications, radiation or chemotherapy, and certain diseases.