Performing Oral Care
Definition: Mouth care is defined as the scientific care of the teeth and mouth.
Purpose:
1. To keep the mucosa clean, soft, moist and intact
2. To keep the lips clean, soft, moist and intact
3. To prevent oral infections
4. To remove food debris as well as dental plaque without damaging the gum
5. To alleviate pain, discomfort and enhance oral intake with appetite
6. To prevent halitosis or relieve it and freshen the mouth
Equipment required:
1. Tray (1)
2. Gauze-padded tongue depressor (1): to suppress tongue
3. Torch (1)
4. Appropriate equipments for cleaning:
- Tooth brush
- Foam swabs
- Gauze-padded tongue depressor
- Cotton ball with artery forceps (1) and dissecting forceps (1)
5. Oral care agents:
Tooth paste/ antiseptic solution
6. If you need to prepare antiseptic solution as oral care agent:
Gallipot (2): to make antiseptic solution (1)
to set up cotton ball after squeezed (1)
7. Cotton ball
8. Kidney tray (1)
9. Mackintosh (1): small size
10. Middle towel (1)
11. Jug with tap water (1)
12. Paper bag (2): for cotton balls (1)
for dirt (1)
13. Gauze pieces as required: to apply a lubricant
14. Lubricants: Vaseline/ Glycerin/ soft white paraffin gel/ lip cream (1)
15. Suction catheter with suction apparatus (1): if available
16. Disposable gloves (1 pair): if available
Table 1. Various oral care agents for oral hygiene
The choice of an oral care agent is dependent on the aim of care. The various agents are available and should be
determined by the individual needs of the client.
b. Providing oral care for dependent client
Oral care for the unconscious clients
1. Special precautions while the procedure
 The client should be positioned in the lateral position with the head turned toward the side. (Rationale: It can not only
provide for drainage but also prevent accidental aspiration.)
 Suction apparatus is required. (Rationale: It prevents aspiration.)
 To use plain water for cleaning of oral cavity of unconscious clients may be advisable. (Rationale: Potential infection
may be reduced by using plain water when the solution flows into the respiratory tract by accident.)
2. Frequency of care
Oral care should be performed at least every four hours.