A fellow classmate and I volunteered to provide a presentation over oral health and how to take care of dental appliances to CNA’s and LPN’s at a local nursing home. We were able to discuss dental products, nutrition, oral pathology, appliance care, and how oral health can affect overall health. This was a great opportunity, and I enjoyed being able to spread awareness about the importance of oral hygiene.

1. CNA Presentation
SFCC Dental Hygiene Class of 2020

2. Brushing
Brushing will remove plaque biofilm, the number one cause for tooth decay and
gum disease, from the tooth surface
● Brush 2x daily- morning and night
● Brush for 2 minutes
● Use a smear of toothpaste that contains fluoride
● Move in a circular motion
● Try to give 2-3 teeth attention at one time

3. Brushing
● Be sure to get all
surfaces of the teeth &
your tongue
● Angle the toothbrush to
ensure the bristles are
making a sweeping
motion by the gumline
● Image #4- This is the
angle you should have to
get the backs of your
bottom front teeth

4. Health vs. Gum Disease

5. Interdental Aids
Regular tooth brushing can’t reach in between your teeth
and under your gums.
Floss at least 1x a day
Types of Interdental Aids:
•Wax, Unwaxed, Tufted Floss – sting floss
•Dental /floss picks
•Proxy brush – handle with head of bristles
•Oral Irrigators - Waterpik

6. Dentures
● Dentures are removable appliances that replace missing teeth
● If all natural teeth have been lost, whether from gum disease, tooth decay, or
injury, replacing the missing teeth will benefit your health and appearance
● It is not unusual to experience minor irritation and soreness, while your mouth
becomes accustomed to the dentures
● Follow-up appointments, with the dentist, are generally needed in order for
the fit to be checked and adjusted
● Be sure to consult with you dentist, if any problem persists

7. Dentures
● Should be labeled with owner’s name
○ This is done in the lab when they are made
● This is important for identification and infection control

8. Dentures
● Dentures should be taken out every night to allow for the
tissue to breathe
○ They should be stored in a container with water or denture cleaner
out of reach
● Use minimal denture adhesive during wear (ex: Poligrip)
● When removing, start from the back and carefully rock
back and forth
● Daily cleaning
○ Soak with denture tablets (ex: Polident)
○ Use a denture brush to gently remove plaque and debri
○ Do NOT use abrasive agents such as toothpaste or baking soda

9. Dry mouth
“Subjective report of oral dryness”
“Saliva may appear thick or reduced”
“Increases the risk for infection and
compromised chewing, speaking, and
swallowing”
“Persistent dry mouth increases the risk for
dental caries” (cavities)
(Wilkins E. M., 2017)

10. Etiology of dry mouth
Age related
Medications
Cancer treatment
Autoimmune disease
Dehydration
(Wilkins E. M., 2017)

11. Dry mouth
remedies
● Salivary substitutes
● Xylitol
● Biotene products
● Sipping water
● Nonsucrose-containing candies
or gum
● Eliminate the use of oral
products with alcohol,
glycerine, or lemon
(Wilkins E. M., 2017)

12. Effects of Smoking on the Oral Cavity
● Stained teeth
● Bad breath (halitosis)
● Tooth loss
● Gum disease (periodontitis and
gingivitis)
● Loss of taste and smell
● Constriction of blood vessels in the
mouth
● Increased buildup of plaque and
tartar
● Delayed healing
● Increased risk of oral cancer
Note: the gums may appear
lighter and show decreased
bleeding; this is due to
vasoconstriction of blood
vessels NOT healthy gums

13. The 5 As to the Intervention of Smoking
● Ask - Identify whether the patient is smoking
● Advise - Urge them to stop smoking
● Assess - Is the user willing or interested in
quitting?
● Assist - Using counseling or
pharmacotherapy to help the individual
● Arrange - Schedule follow up contact to
encourage a quit date

14. Smoking Cessation Options
● Nicotine chewing gum
● Patches - sticks to the skin
● Nasal sprays
● Inhalers
● Lozenges - dissolves in the mouth
There is no evidence to show that one method is
more effective than the other. Patient can use
whatever works best for them.

15. Decay

16. Decay

17. Nutrition and Decay
Unhealthy foods/beverages:
● Sugary foods/drinks- even diet drinks
● Chips
● Pizza
● Ice cream
● Most fast food items
● Alcohol
Healthy foods/beverages:
● Fresh fruits and vegetables
● Cheese
● Nuts
● Lean meats- chicken, sea food, steak (sirloin)
● Water
● Milk

18. Identifying Decay
Stages of decay - mild (early), moderate, and severe
Early
Severe
Moderate

19. Oral Pathology
● Oral Cancer
○ Most commonly occurs on
the floor of the mouth or
lateral borders of the tongue
○ 90% of patients with oral
cancers use tobacco
○ 75% of patients with oral
cancers use alcohol
○ Treated with chemotherapy
and/or surgery
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma
Verrucous Carcinoma

20. Oral Pathology
● Nicotinic Stomatitis
○ Caused by smoking
○ Appears as red raised areas
● Tobacco Pouch Keratosis
○ Caused by chewing tobacco
○ Located where chewing tobacco is placed

21. Oral Pathology
● Herpes Simplex Infection (Cold sore/fever
blister)
○ Caused by herpes simplex virus and usually
stimulated by stress, sunlight, fever, or fatigue
○ Patient may have symptoms of burning, pain, or
tingling
○ Treated with antiviral drugs

22. Oral Pathology
● Epulis Fissuratum
○ Caused by a poor fitting denture
○ Located on the tissue adjacent to denture flange
○ Treatment may include surgical removal or
getting a new denture
● Papillary Hyperplasia of the Palate
○ Caused by poor fitting dentures
○ Located on the palate and has a cobblestone
appearance
○ Treatment includes surgical removal of
hyperplastic papillary tissue before new denture
construction

23. Oral Pathology
● Denture Stomatitis
○ Caused by a fungus and usually occurs when
patients do not remove their dentures for an
adequate amount of time
○ Most commonly occurs on the palate of gingiva in
the front of the mouth
○ Treated by removing the denture for adequate
amounts of time (should be removed every night
while sleeping) and with the application of
antifungal medications
● Oral Candidiasis (Thrush)
○ Fungal infection
○ Treated with antifungal medications

24. Oral Pathology
● Abscess
○ Caused by inflammation
○ Produces severe pain
○ Treatment includes drainage and
endodontic therapy and extraction

25. Questions?