ACU health researchers will develop a new app-based protocol to improve the oral health and wellbeing of residential aged care residents, thanks to a $210,000 grant from Aged Care Research & Industry Innovation Australia (ARIIA). Poor oral health in older Australians can cause serious health complications leading to increased risk of pneumonia, more emergency hospital visits, food avoidance, pain, weight loss and social withdrawal. Lead researcher Dr Kieran Flanagan, a speech pathologist and aged care researcher at ACU Brisbane, said key barriers to quality oral health care include cost, staff knowledge, training, and access to the correct oral hygiene products.

https://www.miragenews.com/acu-study-aims-to-boost-oral-health-in-aged-1096648/

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