12.4: Unit C- Teeth and Mouth Care
Performing or assisting with mouth hygiene is an important task of the Home Health Aide/Personal Care Aide. Mouth hygiene should be performed at least twice per day, with morning and evening care. Mouth hygiene may also be performed after eating meals and any time the patient requests. Regular, daily flossing helps to remove plaque and food debris which promotes bacteria, from the patient’s mouth. Unclean mouths harbor bacteria, which can cause additional health problems for the patient. Having a clean mouth promotes a sense of comfort and self-esteem for a patient.
Providing oral care also gives Home Health Aides/Personal Care Aides a chance to assess the health of their patient’s teeth, gums, and tongue. Home Health Aides/Personal Care Aides should encourage their patient to perform as much mouth care independently as possible. For patients who are unable to grasp the handle of a toothbrush, special toothbrushes may be available for them. A split rubber ball or tape can be used to build up the handle of the toothbrush to make it easier for the patient to hold. An electric toothbrush may also be used.
Avoid using hydrogen peroxide or alcohol based products because they promote mouth irritation and mucosal membrane breakdown. For a patient in which using a toothbrush is unsafe, such as those who are unable to spit or who is unconscious special mouth swabs are available for use. Mouth care should be provided every two hours for patients who are unconscious or unable to drink. This helps to prevent dryness and breakdown of mouth surfaces. When finished providing mouth care, apply lip moisturizer or petroleum jelly to lips to prevent skin breakdown, chapping, and drying of the lips.