this lesson would help medical students especially basic health educators since they are working with community

1. Performing
oral care

2.  Mouth care is defined as the scientific care of the
teeth and mouth.
 Should be done 3 times a day and more often if
patient’s condition requires frequent oral care.
Definition

3. Purpose:
• To keep the mucosa clean, soft, and moist.
• To keep the lips clean, soft ,and moist .
• To prevent oral infections.
• To remove food debris.
• To alleviate pain, and discomfort.
• To prevent halitosis.
• To enhance oral intake with appetite.

4. Equipment required:
Tray (1)
Tongue depressor (1)
Torch (1)
Appropriate equipments for cleaning:
-Tooth brush
-Foam swabs
Artery forceps (1)
Dissecting forceps (1)

5. Cont…..
Oral care agents:
-Toothpaste/ antiseptic solution
Cotton ball
Kidney tray(1)
Mackintosh (1):small size
Middle towel(1)
Jug with tap water(1)
Paper bag(2)
for cotton balls(1)
For dirt(1)

6. Cont…..
.Gauze pieces
To apply a lubricant
Lubricants Vaseline/ lip cream
.Suction catheter with suction apparatus (1) :if
available
Disposable gloves(1pair)

8. Assisting the client with Oral care
 Procedure:
1. Explain the procedures.
2. Collect all instruments required .
3. Close door and/or put screen.
4. Perform hand hygiene and wear disposable
Gloves if possible.
5.If you use solutions such as sodium bicarbonate,
Prepare solutions required.

9. Cont…..
6.Assist the client a comfortable upright position or
sitting position.
7. Inspect oral cavity.
-Inspect whole the oral cavity ,such as teeth,
gums, mucosa and tongue, with the aid of
gauze-padded tongue depressor and torch.
-Take notes if you find any abnormalities, e.g.,
Bleeding ,swollen, ulcers, sores, etc.
8. Place face towel over the client chest.

10. Cont…..
9. Put kidney tray in hand.

11. b. Providing oral care for dependent client
 Procedure.
1.Check client’s identification and condition.
2.Explain the purpose and procedure to the client.
3.Perform hand hygiene and wear disposable gloves.
4.Collect all required equipments and bring the
Articles to the bedside.

12. Cont…..
5.Close the door to the room .Put screen.
6. Keep the client in a side lying or in comfortable
position.
7. Place the mackintosh and towel on the neck to chest.
8. Put the kidney tray over the towel and
Mackintosh under the chin.
9. Inspect oral cavity:

13. Cont…..
9. Clean oral surfaces:
10. Discard used cotton ball into small kidney tray.
11. Clean tongue from inner to outer aspect.

14. Common Oral Problems:
 Xerostomia – Dry Mouth
 Caries (Tooth Decay)
 Gingivitis (Bleeding gums)
 Dental Erosion

17. Conscious oral care

18. Unconscious oral care