Northamptonshire Care Homes Participate In Fluoride Pilot Programme
More than one hundred care home signed up to a pilot scheme to help improve standards of oral health among older people in Northamptonshire; in the first year of the project more than 100 homes joined the fluoride treatment trial scheme and the team is hoping to ad another 25 to this number before the trial programme finishes.
Around 800 care home members of staff received training from NHFT (the foundation trust for healthcare in Northamptonshire) to enable them to administer fluoride treatment to elderly people. The scheme provides fluoride treatment two times a year, which involves applying fluoride gel to the teeth. Fluoride is a mineral, which helps to strengthen and protect the enamel, reducing the risk of decay and injury.
The practitioner responsible for promoting oral health from the trust’s primary care dental team, Denise Birkett, said that the team is thrilled with the success of the pilot programme. She said it has been well-received by patients and home care staff members who now have the knowledge to share with others.
Fluoride is present in most toothpaste formulas, but as people age, the risk of decay increases and fluoride varnish treatment can be particularly advantageous for older people.
Highmead House manager, a care home in Irthlingborough, Kerry Morgan, said that the pilot scheme has improved the oral hygiene standards within the home dramatically and added that she would advise other homes to join the programme.
Join this Discussion