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An older man is brushing his teeth in front of a mirror.

Oral health

Good oral health is essential for quality of life, self-esteem, and overall health.

Updated:

Please note that all forms, digital applications (e-services) and some linked websites are currently in Swedish. Contact Citizen Service if you need help in English.

What Oral Health Means

Oral health is about being able to chew, swallow, and take in nutrition effectively. Teeth are also important for speaking and communicating, and they play a key role in appearance.

Normal Aging

As we age, natural changes occur in the mouth:

  • Tooth enamel becomes harder, less elastic, and more fragile.
  • Roots become more exposed and gaps between teeth increase.
  • Large fillings make teeth more prone to breaking.
  • Salivary glands weaken, causing dry mouth.
  • Reduced saliva increases the risk of cavities.
  • Tongue, lips, and cheek movements become more important for cleaning the mouth.

Dry Mouth and Saliva

Dry mouth occurs when too little saliva is produced or when the composition of saliva changes.

The Function of Saliva

  • Washes away food particles.
  • Lubricates the mouth so we can chew, swallow, and speak.
  • Protects teeth from cavities.

Common Symptoms of Dry Mouth

  • Difficulty eating and swallowing.
  • Problems speaking or sleeping.
  • Declining dental health.
  • Inflammation in gums or oral mucosa.
  • Bad breath.
  • Reduced sense of taste.
  • Difficulty wearing dentures.

Preventive Measures

Daily Routines

  • Eat regular meals and avoid snacking.
  • Choose water instead of soft drinks, juice, or carbonated beverages.
  • Rinse your mouth or chew sugar-free gum after meals.
  • Use dental floss or interdental brushes and brush teeth 2–3 times daily.
  • Rinse daily with fluoride (0.2%) to strengthen enamel.
  • Visit a dental hygienist for an annual check-up.

For Special Needs

  • People prescribed frequent meals or nutritional drinks should rinse their mouth with water or fluoride after each intake.

Staff Responsibility

Staff must pay attention to oral health issues and document them in accordance with the Social Services Act (SoL) and the Health and Medical Services Act (HSL). This includes:

  • Observing and noting issues such as sores, inflammation, discoloration, or dry mouth.
  • Ensuring daily oral care is carried out, either independently or with assistance.
  • Reporting oral health problems to a nurse or relatives for assessment and treatment.
  • Performing a ROAG (Revised Oral Assessment Guide) oral health assessment, independently or with a nurse.
  • Contacting public dental care when needed.

Why It Matters

Oral health is linked to overall health. Problems in the mouth can worsen general health and aggravate other medical conditions.

Do you want to access a specific document? Contact Citizen Service, and we will help you retrieve and read the full document.

Contact

Citizen Service

E-mail: kommunen@boden.se

Phone: +46 921 620 00