Description
Mouth care includes cleaning the teeth, gums and tongue as well as removing and cleaning dentures and partials (false teeth). While mouth care is important to help prevent tooth decay and infections, it also aids in keeping the airway open and enhances the ability to swallow. Gentle mouth care also provides much comfort.

How often should Mouth Care be Provided?

Daily oral care should be given, preferably before the first meal of the day is eaten. People who have impaired swallowing ability or who are vomiting will benefit from more frequent mouth care. Dentures should be removed and cleaned at least daily using a commercial dental cream or tablet.

What you'll need

• Disposable gloves
• Soft tooth brush or Oral Swabs (also called Oral Sponges)
• Toothpaste
• 3 Glasses
• Pitcher of Fresh Water
• Towel
• Mouthwash

Task time
5-10 minutes

Steps

1. Assist the person into a sitting position if possible, if not, position the person on their side
2. Explain the task to be performed before and during mouth care
3. Wash your hands and put on a pair of disposable gloves
4. Place towels around the front of the persons neck and under his/her mouth
5. Fill a glass ½ full of fresh water and moisten the tooth brush or several oral swabs
6. Apply a small amount of toothpaste to the toothbrush
7. Ask the person to open their mouth, or gently open their mouth for them
8. Gently move the sponge or toothbrush from top gum down upper teeth, and rinse the tooth brush or use another oral swab and move toothbrush or oral swab from bottom of gum to top of lower teeth until all teeth have been cleansed
9. With clean toothbrush or new oral swab, cleanse the tongue from back to front, removing any debris or thick oral secretions
10. If the person is able to rinse his/her mouth, mix a small amount of mouthwash in water, and have them rinse and spit into an empty glass
11. If the person is unable to rinse his/her mouth, moisten a oral swab in a mixture of 1 part mouthwash to 10 parts water, and swab his/her mouth
12. Moisten lips with small amount of petroleum jelly or commercial lip moistening products
13. Remove towel
14. Cleanse toothbrush and place on paper towel to allow drying. Dispose of used oral swabs
15. Remove disposable gloves and wash your hands
16. Remove glasses, rinse and then wash/clean as usual

Important Points to Consider
If the person is unable to swallow, frequent mouth care (every 2-3 hours) will keep the mouth moist and assist in keeping the airway clear of mucus. Even with the most gentle mouth care, bleeding may occur. Remember the goal is comfort.