Introduction: This review aimed to evaluate the perceived barriers, knowledge, and training, of different health care professionals in relation to the oral health of dependent people in nursing homes and access, as well, how this data was evaluated.Methods: Three electronic databases—PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, and LILACS—were searched independently by two researchers for relevant studies published up to December 2023. Articles were selected according to the established inclusion and exclusion criteria, and a total of 35 studies were included.Results: Findings from the Nursing Dental Coping Belief Scale studies revealed disparities between training and daily oral health care, with experienced nurses experiencing challenges. Barriers described were categorized and included resident-related issues, organizational challenges, and caregiver-related difficulties. Most caregivers reported inadequate training, often informal or experiential, although they are involved in the hygiene of the older adult, with tooth brushing and denture cleaning being the most common practices. Low oral health literacy coexisted with recognition of the importance of oral health care.Conclusion: The findings advocate for targeted interventions, standardized training, and improved support systems to improve oral health care for the older adult in diverse health care settings.

Excessive sugar consumption is a well-established risk factor for dental caries, particularly in pediatric populations. This systematic review explores the

Background: Oral health is a critical yet frequently overlooked component of global public health, with significant implications for overall health and healthcare costs. In countries like Portugal, where public dental coverage is limited, non-dental healthcare professionals are primarily responsible for monitoring oral health. This study aimed to adapt and validate the Nursing Dental Coping Belief Scale for Portuguese healthcare professionals (NDCBS-PT) and identify factors associated with their beliefs to develop effective interventions and ensure equitable care for dependent populations. Methods: This cross-sectional psychometric study followed a five-stage international protocol. Structural validity was tested via confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) using the weighted least squares mean and variance (WLSMV) estimator. Internal consistency and temporal stability were evaluated using ordinal alpha, McDonald’s omega total (ωt), and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). Multivariable associations were examined using robust linear models to identify factors independently associated with NDCBS-PT scores. Results: A total of 304 healthcare professionals were included (82.6% female; mean age 44.5 years). The correlated four-factor model - internal locus of control (IL), external locus of control (EL), self-efficacy (SE) and oral healthcare beliefs (OHCB) - showed the best relative fit, although fit was marginal (CFI = 0.858). Despite pronounced floor effects, total-score reliability was acceptable to good (ordinal α and ωt = 0.81). The institutional sector was the most consistent independent determinant of global scores ( p = 0.004). Some non-public sectors showed more favorable global scores than the public sector. The EL domain was the most sensitive to caregiver profiles showing exploratory associations with gender ( p = 0.009), area of training ( p = 0.043), and age-experience interaction ( p = 0.007). Although men had more favorable beliefs, this requires caution as gender invariance was not established. Regarding SE, specific oral health training was the only significant predictor ( p = 0.034). Item-level diagnostics identified items 3, 4, and 24 as weak. Conclusion: The NDCBS-PT demonstrated sufficient reliability and preliminary structural support for the four-factor model among Portuguese healthcare professionals, though requiring further refinement. Caregivers’ beliefs appear to be influenced by organizational settings and professional backgrounds. Oral-health training was linked to better self-efficacy and merits prospective testing.

Background: As the population ages, dementia poses a critical public health challenge. This study examined the oral health and nutritional status of institutionalized Portuguese adults with dementia, exploring their interrelated predictors. Methods: This multicenter, cross-sectional study assessed institutionalized patients using the Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index, posterior functional units (PFUs), plaque (PI) and gingival (GI) indices, the Short Xerostomia Inventory (SXI-5), and the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA). DMFT was modeled using multivariable ordinary least squares (OLS) regression for demographic and clinical predictors and separate negative binomial models for medication-related predictors. Other outcomes were analyzed using outcome-specific multivariable models. Results: The study included 71 participants (mean age: 82.5 ± 6.9 years). A high dental disease burden (mean DMFT score of 24.3 ± 7.5) was observed, independently predicted by advanced age (β = 0.48, p = 0.002) and residence in public long-term care units (LTCUs) (β = 6.65, p = 0.001). Total edentulism affected 28.2% of the sample. Polypharmacy emerged as a significant predictor of tooth loss; each additional medication was associated with an 18% decrease in the likelihood of retaining natural teeth (OR = 0.82, p = 0.008). Higher cognitive decline (GDS) was associated with increased plaque (p = 0.043), and modified-texture diets were associated with lower plaque levels (β = −0.64, p = 0.021). The mean MNA score (16.9 ± 3.8) indicated a high risk of malnutrition, with a trend toward lower gingival inflammation with better nutritional status (p = 0.061). Conclusions: Institutionalized dementia patients face severe oral and nutritional risks associated with age, polypharmacy and institutional environment. This emphasizes the need for multidisciplinary protocols and caregiver training.