Exploring the Impact and Implications of Oral Health Interventions among Older Adults: A Scoping Review

Abstract Aim: This scoping review synthesizes current evidence on the impact of oral health interventions–including education, promotion, and preventive care–on oral health outcomes in older adults. Materials and Methods: Following Arksey and O’Malley’s methodological framework and reported per PRISMA-ScR guidelines, a comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar for studies published from January 2004 to March 2024. Eligible studies included observational or interventional designs focused on oral health interventions among adults aged 60 years and above. Data extraction was independently performed by multiple reviewers, and qualitative synthesis was conducted using ATLAS.ti 24.1.0. Methodological quality was assessed using Crowe’s Critical Appraisal Tool. Results: Of 2014 articles initially identified, six studies were included–four randomized controlled trials and two non-randomized interventions–spanning sample sizes of 67 to 306 and intervention durations from 8 weeks to 2 years. Interventions included oral and denture hygiene instruction, use of chlorhexidine and fluoride-based products, behavioral models (e.g., Health Belief Model), and caregiver-delivered oral care programs. Analysis revealed improvements in plaque and gingival scores, oral hygiene behaviors, and oral health-related quality of life. Key factors influencing intervention outcomes included cognitive status, manual dexterity, and frequency of caregiver involvement. Conclusion: Oral health interventions, even when basic, can lead to measurable behavioral and clinical improvements among older adults. Their success is influenced by delivery method, duration, and participant capacity. These findings underscore the need for scalable, personalized, and preventive strategies in geriatric oral healthcare and support integration into existing long-term care and public health frameworks.