Chapter 23: Oral Hygiene

Flashcards based on the lecture notes for Chapter 23, covering definitions, safety measures for unconscious patients, and denture care.

Oral hygiene (mouth care)

Measures that keep the mouth and teeth clean, prevent odors and infections, increase comfort, make food taste better, and reduce the risk for cavities (dental caries) and periodontal disease.

Flossing

A practice that removes plaque and tartar from the teeth and removes food from between the teeth.

Dental caries

Another name for cavities.

Aspiration

The act of breathing fluid, food, vomitus, or an object into the lungs.

Unconscious mouth care frequency

Oral hygiene provided to an unconscious person at least every $2$ hours.

Padded tongue blade

An instrument used to keep the mouth open during the oral hygiene of an unconscious person.

Denture

An artificial tooth or a set of artificial teeth.

Warp

To lose shape, which occurs to dentures if they are placed in hot water.

Reporting and Recording

The documentation of care; if care is not recorded, it is assumed that care was not given.