Providing Oral Care for Dependent Patient

What should you do before beginning oral care for a dependent patient?

Perform hand hygiene and put on PPE if indicated.

How do you ensure you are treating the correct patient?

Identify the patient and explain the procedure.

Where should you assemble oral care equipment?

On the overbed table or another surface within reach.

How should you prepare the environment and patient for oral care?

Close door/curtains, raise bed, lower one side rail, position patient on their side with head tilted forward, place towel on chest and emesis basin under chin, connect suction equipment, and put on gloves.

How do you open the patient’s mouth safely?

Apply pressure to the lower jaw; use a toothbrush or mouth prop—never fingers—to keep mouth open; remove dentures.

How is oral care performed when using a regular toothbrush?

One caregiver brushes while the other suctions secretions with the suction catheter.

How do you clean the patient’s mouth?

Brush teeth and gums carefully with toothbrush and cleanser; lightly brush the tongue.

How do you rinse the oral cavity?

Moisten toothbrush with water and allow water to flow out; suction excess water and cleanser if using a regular toothbrush.

How should the tongue be cleaned?

Brush gently with toothbrush or tongue scraper.

What solutions are used after brushing?

Use a suction swab to apply antiseptic mouth rinse; apply oral moisturizer as indicated.

What should you do with dentures?

Clean dentures before replacing them.

What should you apply after oral cleaning?

Apply lubricant to the patient’s lips.

How do you finish the procedure?

Remove equipment, reposition the patient comfortably, remove gloves, perform hand hygiene, raise side rail, and lower bed.

What is the final step?

Remove additional PPE if used and perform hand hygiene