Comprehensive Oral Hygiene Notes

Oral Hygiene

Importance of Oral Care

  • Crucial for overall health, self-image, and functionality (talking, chewing).
  • Performed at least twice daily (morning and night), with some preferring post-meal brushing.

Types of Dental Care

  • Natural Teeth: Cleaning, brushing, and flossing required.
  • Dentures: Can be partial or full; require specific cleaning techniques.
  • Combination: Some may have natural teeth along with dentures.

Oral Care Procedure for Residents with Natural Teeth (Skill 8C.1)

  • Brush teeth thoroughly, covering all surfaces.
  • Use dental floss for cleaning between teeth, decreasing plaque buildup.
  • Rinse mouth with mouthwash post-cleaning.
  • Check for missing or broken teeth; report findings to a nurse.
  • Power toothbrushes may be utilized for easier cleaning; hold for a few seconds on each tooth surface.

Oral Care Procedure for Unconscious Residents

  • Positioning: Lay resident on their side with the head slightly elevated to prevent choking.
  • Use an oral swab to clean mouth surfaces if resident cannot swish and spit.
  • Open the mouth using a wooden tongue depressor wrapped in gauze, avoiding finger insertion to prevent biting.

Flossing Technique

  • Use about 18-24 inches of floss; wind it around fingers, leaving 1 inch between them.
  • Insert floss in a “C” shape around each tooth, ensuring gum line cleaning.
  • Flossing should be done daily for residents who have natural teeth.

Cleaning Dentures (Skill 8C.2)

  • Removal: Use index finger to slide between dentures and gums. For top plate, pull down; for bottom plate, push up.
  • Dentures should be cleaned daily with lukewarm, not hot, water, using a special toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste.
  • Place cleaned dentures in a denture cup filled with mouthwash/water solution.
  • If unable to insert dentures back, assist the resident in doing so after cleaning.

Special Considerations

  • If bleeding occurs or pain is noted, stop the procedure immediately and report to the nurse.
  • Monitor for sores, refusal of care, cracked or broken dentures, changes in fit, and oral pain.

Other Relevant Information

  • Residents wanting to keep dentures in at night should have them cleaned before bedtime.
  • Lip balm or gloss may be offered after oral care.
  • Regular checks for oral health issues (sores, white patches, refusal of care) are critical; any concerns should be reported to a nurse.