O enfoque lúdico nas intervenções educativas em saúde bucal para idosos institucionalizados.

One of the most challenging global health issues is providing longevity associated with quality of life for the elderly population. Institutionalization has been an important alternative to provide it, however, in those spaces, the elderly has greater dental care demands when compared to the non-institutionalized population. Therefore, there is the development of psychological problems such as low self-esteem, depression, and social isolation. In this context, carrying out education and health promotion activities is essential and can have important results when carried out using a ludic approach. This article aimed to present a report of the experience of applying ludic concepts educational interventions within institutionalized elderly. Some routine games were used with the elderly population, such as bingo, fishing, memory games, each one of them adapted to the theme of oral health. Through these activities, it was possible to offer information, improve the elderly's perception of oral health, and encourage independent oral hygiene. Besides, the ludic approach proved to be effective and with great development potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]