Today our topic of discussion is Oral Hygiene.
Oral Hygiene
ORAL HYGIENE
Oral hygiene means maintaining the cleanliness of the mouth. Oral hygiene includes measures to prevent the spread of disease from the mouth and increase the comfort of the patient.It is important because mouth is the portal entry of food and digestion starts from mouth.
So, the entry of any pathogen in mouth directly affects health. Oral hygiene means the cleanliness of the mouth oral hygiene includes measure to prevent the spread of disease from the month and increase the comfort.
Objectives
- To keep the mouth and teeth in good condition
- To prevent the mucous membrane from becoming dry and cracked
- To prevent sores which resulting in ulceration 0
- To prevent bacterial in the mouth from causing local and general infections E
- mollients help to soften the dry mucos membrane to prevent cracking.
Purpose
- To prevent and treat mouth infections
- To keep the mouth fresh and clean
- To prevent the mucus membrane from becoming dry
- and cracked
- To prevent dental carries and tooth decay.
- To prevent sores which resulting in ulceration
- To stimulate salivation and increase appetite
- To prevent infection of parotid glands
- To prevent complications such as stomatitis, glossitis, pyorrhea and parotitis, etc.
- To stimulate circulation in gums thus maintaining health firmness
- To maintain oral hygiene among bedridden patients
The Patient who may require Frequent Mouth Care
- Unconscious patients
- Helpless patient
- Patient with higher pyrexia
- Malnourished and dehydrated patients Patients who are not taking oral feeds
- Patients having local diseases of mouth Paraplegic patients
- Patients having a local disease of mouth
- Postoperative patients.
Scientific Principles
- Any new treatment or exposure to unfamiliar situation produces fear and anxiety.
- Food particles left in the mouth promote the growth of microorganism.
- Soap which is constituent of most dentrifrice has a low surface tension and spreads readily and penetrates in between teeth.
- Cold water reduces friction and hot water destroys dentures.
- Cough reflex is depressed in unconscious patients.
- Giving mouth care provides opportunity to observe the condition of mouth and teeth.
- Knowledge about the technique of keeping the mouth healthy helps in practicing it and maintains
- A clean mouth and teeth aids to the patient a feeling of self-approval.
- Emollient help to soften the dry mucous membrane to prevent cracking
- Patients comfort and safety may be enhanced by practice of good techniques, which provide economy of time, material and energy.
Solutions Commonly Used for Mouth Wash
- Potassium permanganate (KMnO) 1:5000 (crystal to a glass of water)
- Sodium chloride-one teaspoon to a pint of water
- Potassium chloride-4-6%
- Hydrogen peroxide (HO) 1:8 solution.
Dentifrices Used
- Glycerin with lime juice equal parts
- Sodium bicarbonate paste
- Reliable tooth paste or powder.
Emollient Used Commonly
- Cream or butter
- White vaseline
- Liquid paraffin
- Glycerin borax
- Olive oil.
Preliminary Assessment of the Patient and Environment
- Identify the patient and observe the general condition of the patient
- Check the condition of the mouth
- Assess the ability of the patient to cooperate
- Prepare the patient for acceptance and realization
- Assess the status of health habits
- Decide the type of dentifrice and emollient to be used
- Assess the frequency of mouth care needed
- Note the precautions to be observed while moving the patient Articles available in the unit
- Make sure about any or drink to be given after mouth care if advisable.
Equipment
- A tray containing of:
- Mackintosh and towel
- Small jug with warm water
- Feeding cup
- Small cups -2
- Artery forceps -1
- Dissecting forceps -1.
- A small container containing of:
- Paper bag
- Kidney tray
- Choose one of the solutions for mouthwash
- Choose one of the emollients.
- Gauze piece
- Face towel -1.
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