Oral health and oral care in short-term care: prevalence, related factors and coherence between older peoples' and professionals' assessments.

Professionals' assessments of oral health differed considerably from the older peoples' own assessments. A higher risk of oral problems and more occurrence of coating or food debris or broken teeth were seen among those dependent on help with self-care (ADL). This study indicates that in order to improve older peoples' oral health and oral care we need to provide person-centred oral care and to develop a close collaboration between nursing and dental staff.