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Mouth care

LTC Nursing Assistant Trainer, October 27, 2005

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Care of the mouth and teeth is a very personal matter, and some residents find it difficult to let someone else provide it for them. Some will clamp their teeth together or refuse oral care entirely. A glass of water after every meal to wash away food particles should be part of each resident's care plan.

To examine the oral cavity, good lighting, gloves, and a tongue depressor are needed. The oral inspection should be performed in a slow and careful manner to prevent bruising or tearing the mucous membrane.

Before performing an oral assessment or any procedure related to mouth care, always explain to the resident what you intend to do. Unconscious and semiconscious residents may be able to hear but unable to respond.

To examine the oral cavity, do the following:

• Examine the lips for sores, dryness, and cracking
• Remove any dentures or partial plates and examine them carefully for chips and cracks
• Check teeth for chips, looseness, or signs of decay
• Look for redness and swelling of the gingiva and mucosa
• Inspect the inside of both cheeks, the palate, the tongue, and the floor of the mouth for paleness, white patches, and sores
• Note whether halitosis is present
• Report any problems you observe

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