2.6 Describe how and when to report concerns about an individual’s oral health

This guide will help you answer 2.6 Describe how and when to report concerns about an individual’s oral health.

Oral health is a crucial part of an individual’s general well-being. This includes teeth, gums, tongue, and overall mouth hygiene. Poor oral health can lead to discomfort, infections, and long-term health conditions. When working in health and social care, you have a duty to identify and act on concerns about an individual’s oral health. Reporting these concerns promptly can prevent harm and improve outcomes for the person.

This guide covers some examples of how and when you should report concerns about oral health as part of your care responsibilities.

Recognising Oral Health Concerns

To report concerns effectively, you need to know what to look for. Here are some common signs and symptoms suggesting that an individual may have oral health problems:

• Pain or discomfort: Complaints of a toothache, gum pain, or any unexplained oral discomfort.
• Swelling: Swelling in the gums, cheeks, or jaw, which could indicate infection or injury.
• Bleeding gums: Frequent bleeding during tooth brushing or spontaneously, which may suggest gum disease.
• Bad breath (halitosis): Persistent and offensive odour from the mouth, which may be a sign of decay or infection.
• Difficulty eating or speaking: Signs include avoiding hard foods, complaining about chewing pain, or slurred speech due to oral issues.
• White or red patches in the mouth: These may indicate fungal infections or more serious conditions like oral cancer.
• Broken or missing teeth: Broken, chipped, or decayed teeth can cause pain and dental complications.
• Dry mouth: Insufficient saliva can make it difficult to chew and swallow, leading to discomfort.
• Loose dentures or discomfort with dental appliances: Poorly fitting dentures can cause sores and affect nutrition.

When identifying these signs, maintain the individual’s dignity and privacy.

When to Report Oral Health Concerns

You should act on concerns about oral health as soon as you notice them. Early reporting can prevent discomfort and more serious complications. There are different situations that might require reporting:

Immediate Reporting

Some situations require urgent action and immediate reporting:

• Extreme pain or distress related to oral health.
• Signs of infection, including swelling, fever, or pus.
• Oral injuries, such as bleeding that doesn’t stop.
• Unusual growths or sores in the mouth that bleed or don’t heal.
• Sudden inability to eat, drink, or speak due to oral health issues.

In these cases, follow your organisation’s emergency protocol. Inform the individual’s healthcare team immediately or seek guidance on accessing urgent dental care.

Routine Reporting

For less urgent concerns, report them at the earliest opportunity while following organisational procedures. Examples include:

• Gradual worsening of oral hygiene, such as build-up of plaque or tartar.
• Complaints of mild pain or sensitivity to hot or cold foods.
• Minor issues with dental appliances like loose dentures.

Routine reporting allows you to communicate concerns during daily handovers, case reviews, or by filling in the individual’s care notes. This ensures that concerns are documented and can be acted upon.

Who Should You Report Oral Health Concerns To?

The specific person to report oral health concerns to depends on your role and your organisation’s policies. Commonly, you may report to any of the following:

• Line manager or supervisor: They can escalate the issue to the appropriate healthcare professionals.
• Keyworker or allocated employee: Some individuals in a care setting have a designated keyworker who oversees their care needs.
• GP or dentist: For medical or dental emergencies, reporting directly to the GP or dentist may be required.
• Family or next of kin: Always ensure consent is given where appropriate before discussing concerns with family members.

If you are unsure who to approach, ask your line manager for guidance.

How to Report Oral Health Concerns

When reporting oral health concerns, it is important to be clear, accurate, and thorough. Here are some tips to follow:

Use Observations and Facts

Provide detailed information about what you observed. For example:

• Describe the specific issue, like “I noticed red and swollen gums around the upper right molars.”
• Mention when it started. If unsure, state when you first observed it.
• Include relevant behaviours, such as refusing to eat or rubbing the jaw area frequently.

Avoid assumptions or making a diagnosis. Your role is to report observations, not to decide the cause of the issue.

Follow Documentation Procedures

Write down your observations in line with organisational policies. Include:

• The date, time, and place of the observation.
• A description of the concern.
• Actions taken (e.g., if you informed a manager).

Avoid using jargon, and write in plain English so everyone can understand.

Respect Confidentiality

Always maintain confidentiality when reporting oral health concerns. Only share the information with authorised individuals, and follow GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) rules. Do not discuss the issue with others unless it is part of your role.

Why Reporting Oral Health Concerns is Important

Failing to report oral health issues can have serious consequences. Poor oral health can lead to:

• Pain and discomfort, affecting quality of life.
• Infections, which may become life-threatening if untreated.
• Difficulty eating or drinking, leading to malnutrition or dehydration.
• Social isolation caused by embarrassment about oral health.
• Worsening of underlying health conditions, such as heart disease or diabetes, which are affected by oral infections.

Prompt reporting allows treatment to be provided quickly to address the problem. It also supports preventative care, encouraging good oral hygiene practices that can minimise future issues.

Your Role in Supporting Oral Health

As a care worker, you don’t just report concerns; you also support good oral health for the individuals you care for. You can:

• Assist with brushing teeth and cleaning dentures if part of their care plan.
• Encourage regular dental check-ups and appointments.
• Educate individuals about the importance of oral hygiene in a way they understand.
• Provide water or moist sponges for people with dry mouths.
• Keep an eye on dietary habits, ensuring sugary snacks are reduced where appropriate.

By being proactive and aware, you can make a significant difference to someone’s oral health.

Final Thoughts

Recognising and reporting concerns about oral health is a key part of providing high-quality care. By acting early, you help prevent complications and promote better health outcomes. Always observe, report, and document findings to support the individual’s well-being and dignity.

When in doubt about how or when to report a concern, refer to your organisation’s policies or speak to your supervisor for clarification. Reporting concerns shows that you take your responsibilities seriously and prioritise the health and happiness of the people in your care.