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Mouth care

LTC Nursing Assistant Trainer, December 21, 2004

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Residents' oral hygiene sometimes seems secondary to their other needs, but the importance of good oral care should not be underestimated. Physical and/or mental problems may make it difficult for a resident to perform his or her own oral care or notice changes in oral health. Poor oral hygiene can result in infected or inflamed gums and teeth, which can cause great discomfort and lead to problems in other parts of the body.

Here are some facts concerning proper mouth care:

• Gingivitis is the inflammation of the gums. It is characterized by redness, swelling, and bleeding of the gums. Gingivitis is not inevitable-if a resident has signs of gingivitis, it is because he or she is not receiving or performing adequate mouth care.

• Malnutrition may be associated with poor oral care. A malnourished resident may have trouble chewing food because of poorly fitting dentures or missing or damaged teeth.

• Medications can contribute to oral problems. Many medications cause dryness of the mouth, which allows for bacteria to increase and may lead to cavities and gingivitis.

• Dentures should be cleaned twice a day. If a resident is unable to clean his or her dentures, it is the responsibility of the caregiver.

• Acids build up in the mouth in the first 30 minutes after eating, increasing the likelihood of oral problems. It is best to clean the mouth immediately after a meal to remove these acids.

In addition to reporting any problems you discover while providing your residents with oral care, you should also notify your supervisor of any resident complaints about changes in taste, ability to chew or swallow, oral discomfort, or bleeding. Examine all residents' mouths at least once weekly, or according to your facility's policies. This will ensure that residents who perform their own oral care are doing so properly and help detect problems before they become serious.

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