# Oral Health in Residential Settings: A Public Health Priority

**Authors:** Roger O'Sullivan, Emma Hunter, Ruth D. Neill, Louise Bradley, Archana Pradhan, Ruth Neill, Khaing Myat Thu, Ruth Neill

PMC · DOI: 10.12688/hrbopenres.14265.1 · HRB Open Research · 2025-11-17

## TL;DR

Oral health in residential care is a critical public health issue requiring more research and attention.

## Contribution

The paper emphasizes the need for evidence-based oral health interventions in residential settings.

## Key findings

- Poor oral health is linked to higher mortality and chronic conditions.
- There is a lack of evidence-based interventions for oral health in residential care.
- Oral health research in residential settings is underprioritized.

## Abstract

Poor oral health is associated with increased mortality and chronic conditions. Ageing remains an unequal experience, particularly in the area of oral health. Evidence-based interventions for oral health in residential settings are limited, posing a significant public health challenge that warrants greater attention. This commentary highlights the importance of oral health and oral health research within the residential care setting, especially the need for increased research on oral health interventions.

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** aspiration pneumonia (MESH:D011015), depression (MESH:D003866), dry mouth (MESH:D014987), cognitive impairment (MESH:D003072), oral health condition (MESH:D000071069), gum disease (MESH:C537732), death (MESH:D003643), dental caries (MESH:D003731), gingivitis (MESH:D005891), dental diseases (MESH:D009057), COVID-19 (MESH:D000086382), infection (MESH:D007239), stroke (MESH:D020521), oral health diseases (MESH:D009059), tooth wear (MESH:D057085), respiratory and cardiovascular diseases (MESH:D012140), pain (MESH:D010146), tooth loss (MESH:D016388), periodontal (MESH:D010518), wound (MESH:D014947), diabetes (MESH:D003920)
- **Chemicals:** Myat (-)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Full text

_Full body text omitted from this summary view._ Fetch the complete paper as Markdown: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12949375/full.md

## References

15 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12949375/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12949375