This document discusses proper oral hygiene practices. It outlines reasons to perform regular oral hygiene like preventing bacterial growth and mouth inflammation. General practices include brushing teeth or dentures after meals and at bedtime. It demonstrates how to safely brush a resident's teeth or care for dentures. For unconscious residents, the document describes positioning them on their side and using moistened swabs or gauze to wipe all mouth surfaces and moisten lips.

1. Oral Hygiene
NATCEP Day Fifteen

2. Objectives
Reasons we perform oral hygiene
 General practices
 Demonstrate


Correct methods for brushing teeth
 SKILL:

Safely care for dentures
 SKILL:

Brushing a Resident’s Teeth
Providing Denture Care
Safe mouth care for the unconscious person
 SKILL:
Providing Mouth Care for the Unconscious
Person

3. Why Oral Hygiene?
•
•
To prevent mouth inflammation and tooth
damage by removing food particles which
cause bacterial growth.
Refresh the person’s mouth.

4. General Practices
•
Teeth or dentures should be brushed
•
•
•
•
•
•
After every meal
OR
At least morning and bedtime
Inspect the mouth for broken teeth and sores.
Encourage the resident to help as much as
possible.
Stroke: Food likely to accumulate in side of mouth
affected – rinse or wipe out as needed

8. Mouth Care for the Unconscious
or No Food/Fluids by Mouth
Position resident on their side or with head
turned to side
 Packaged mouth care swabs or gauzewrapped tongue blades moistened with
mouthwash
 Wipe all surfaces of the mouth
 Moisten lips with lubricant
 Follow plan of care
