A Caregiver's Guide to Patient Oral Hygiene
Self-sufficient Patients:
Patients are to be instructed to brush teeth/mouth twice a day with a soft-bristled brush. Assistance may be given as needed. Natural teeth and fixed bridges are to be brushed on the inside, outside, and biting surfaces. Dentures and partials are to be cleaned after each meal with a non-abrasive cleaner and rinsed thoroughly in lukewarm water. (Remember to line sink with towels and fill with a few inches of water to act as a cushion if a denture or partial is dropped while cleaning.)
Also, all patients are to daily gently brush their tongues. Mouthwash does not replace brushing. Patients without teeth or without dentures need to massage their gums by brushing gently with a soft bristle brush. Daily flossing between natural teeth as well as under fixed bridges is recommended.
Physically or Mentally Challenged Patients:
Caregivers are to clean the patients' teeth and mouth at least twice a day. Brush the same as self-sufficient patients were directed to brush themselves. Commercially available flossing aids may need to be used to accomplish daily flossing. Soft-bristled toothbrushes are to be used.
Unconscious and Acutely Ill Patients:
The procedures for unconscious and acutely ill patients should be performed only by the registered nurse in charge.
The mouth is to be cleaned at least twice a day. The lips of the patient must be lubricated before attempting to open the mouth with a tongue blade. A gauze-wrapped tongue blade may be used to keep the mouth open while brushing, using the same procedure as used by the self-sufficient patients. Another mouthwash-soaked, gauze-wrapped tongue blade is to be used to wipe the tongue and sides of the patient's mouth. Also, clean dentures and partials using the same procedure as the self-sufficient patients.
Video available: "A Caregiver's Guide to Oral Health"
For more information : The Oral Health Program @ 317.233.7447
For Purchase:
$6.00 (check or money order only)
Cashier's Office
Indiana State Department of Health
2 N. Meridian Street, Section 2C
Indianapolis, IN 46204-3003
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