Tina O’Callaghan
Registered Manager
Carricks Brook, East Sussex
The Challenge
Tina noticed that the main problem in improving oral health care for care home residents with learning disabilities and autism, was that frequently residents didn’t know how much sugar was in the food they ate. She realised that this lack of awareness often led to poor oral health. By helping residents understand the sugar content in their diet, Tina believed they could make better choices for their oral health. Tina realised that there was a need for improved education for both residents and staff about the impact of diet choices, specifically sugar, on adult oral health.
“Seeing the surprise on people’s faces when the sugar piled up high was amazing”
The Innovation
To improve oral health in the care home, Tina arranged a residents’ meeting with the support of her staff team. During the meeting, staff used a super-size set of teeth and a toothbrush to demonstrate the correct way to brush teeth. This hands-on approach helped residents understand the importance of proper brushing techniques. Each resident and staff member received a toothbrush and toothpaste, and using a timer set for two minutes, brushed their teeth together during the session. They followed the structured routine, changing the brushing direction every 30 seconds to ensure they covered all the surfaces of their teeth.
As part of the education session, Tina also addressed the impact of sugar on overall weight. She discussed how sugar is harmful to teeth and can lead to weight gain. To make the information more relatable, she presented a list of commonly eaten sweets and drinks, asking residents to guess the sugar content in each item. Then, she poured the correct amount of sugar into a bowl, creating a visual demonstration of how much sugar is hidden in these foods. This impactful exercise helped residents see the excessive sugar they were consuming, emphasising the importance of making healthier dietary choices for both their overall weight and oral health.
The Impact
- Increased Patient and Staff Activation: Patients and staff are more engaged in oral health practices, participating actively in educational programs and initiatives
- Improved Oral Hygiene for Residents: Residents experience better oral hygiene due to the implementation of structured oral care routines and regular dental check-ups
- Reduction in Health Inequalities for Residents: Tailored oral health care plans and resources have led to a reduction in health inequalities among residents
