Issue: Bill has his own natural teeth and also a partial top plate, so how should I carry out oral hygiene?
Action/Rationale: Follow the following 6 steps to assist Bill with his oral hygiene.
| Action | Comments |
|---|---|
| 1) Assist Bill to get into an appropriate position to avoid choking/aspiration during mouth care | Sitting upright or lying on one side with head turned to the dependent side is best. |
| 2) Prepare materials, protect clothing, assist Bill to lubricate his lips. Ask Bill to remove or assist Bill to remove his denture plate | Be prepared before you commence mouth care and remember to wear gloves to protect yourself and Bill from cross-infection. |
| 3) Retract Bill’s lips/tongue with gauze. Brush all surfaces of the teeth with sulphate free fluoride toothpaste or chlorhexidine gel. Gently brush soft tissues and palate |
Assist Bill to reach all areas. A toothbrush is better than a foam swab at removing plaque. Remind Bill not to use toothpaste/ chlorhexidine gel together as this decreases their effectiveness. |
| 4) Rinse Bill’s mouth with water either by using a cup if he has good oral control or by using a 10ml syringe then aspirate the fluid with a yanker suction catheter | Ask Bill to wipe his mouth with a tissue at the end to get rid of any residual toothpaste or fluids. |
| 5) Assist Bill to lubricate his lips with appropriate material eg. petroleum jelly | This will stop Bill’s lips becoming cracked/sore and uncomfortable |
| 6) Continue to provide and encourage oral care at least 3 x daily | This will maintain optimum health of Bill’s mouth |
Page last reviewed: 29 Apr 2021
