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Despite being largely preventable, oral diseases are the major contributor to chronic conditions nationally and globally. If left untreated, oral diseases have many harmful effects throughout life on our patients including pain and infection, and can lead to difficulties with eating, sleeping, socialising and wellbeing. Oral health inequalities exist across our population, and particularly affect vulnerable, disadvantaged and socially excluded groups in society. Oral health is a key indicator for overall health, and is inextricably interlinked with general health. Hence, existing health messages that community nursing teams provide contribute towards oral health. Community nurses are in an established position to provide and reinforce positive oral health messages to their patients, as well as signpost to available dental services. This paper aims to support community nurses with a practical resource for key evidence-based oral health preventative advice, and input into how their patients can access dental care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adults ≥65 are more susceptible to influenza infection and its associated complications. This paper critically reviews the literature, identifying the need for and priorities of a public health strategy to improve vaccination awareness and uptake among older adults. Four electronic databases were searched for peer-reviewed articles in English published between 2001 and 2016. Twelve studies were included. Three themes were identified on analysis: impact on healthcare services; barriers and motivators influencing influenza vaccination uptake; and health promotion interventions. Studies suggest vaccination may reduce the health-care costs of influenza-associated infection. Socioeconomic factors, information about vaccination and cultural beliefs may influence an individual's decision. Multicomponent interventions, such as home visits combined with reminders, support increased uptake. Interventions are identified that could be adopted at the community level in Singapore and other countries to improve influenza vaccination uptake among older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]