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Mouth Care of an Unconscious Patient

BY STANSLAUS

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4/15/2020

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learning tasks

By the end of this session, students are expected

be able to:

  • Define terms used in mouth care
  • Outline the purposes for mouth care
  • Demonstrate mouth wash for an unconscious patient

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Common terms used in Mouth care

Oral hygiene: Is providing cleanliness of the teeth and other structure in the mouth

Cavities: dental carries

Dental Plaque: Is a gummy mass of microorganisms that grows on the crowns and spreads along the root of the teeth, may result into periodontal disease

Pyorrhea: Periodontal disease

Gingivitis: Inflammation of the gum

Stomatitis: Inflammation of the oral mucosa

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Halitosis: Is offensive breath (bad breath)

Purposes for mouth wash

  • To provide cleanliness of mouth and teeth
  • To prevent dental decay and infections
  • To stimulate circulation to oral tissue
  • To keep oral mucosa moist
  • To promote client’s comfort and prevent halitosis

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Perform mouth wash for an unconscious patient

Assessment:-

  • What is the general condition of the patient?
  • Is the environment conducive?

Equipment:

  • Mouth wash solution e.g. sodium bicarbonate teaspoonful to 1 pint of water in galipot
  • Hydrogen peroxide 1% if mouth is very dirty
  • Potassium permanganate solution

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  • Toothpaste
  • Toothbrush or padded tongue depressor – padded with gauze swab and secured with plaster
  • Gloves
  • Glycerin with borax or Vaseline for lip care
  • Gauze swabs in a container
  • Receiver for used swabs
  • Mackintosh and towel
  • Mouth gauge for opening the mouth

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Steps

  • Inform the patient about the procedure
  • Wash hands and put on gloves
  • Screen the bed for privacy
  • Position back of head on a pillow so that face tips downwards. This will allow fluid to flow out of the mouth. Client lies head turned to the side
  • Place towel and Mackintosh under the client’s head and chin to protect bed linen
  • Apply some toothpaste on toothbrush or moisten padded tongue depressor in mouth solution

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  • Wash surface of teeth, between cheeks and gums, roof of mouth, the tongue and lips
  • Rinse mouth with sodium bicarbonate, changing the gauze swabs as necessary
  • Hydrogen peroxide is used instead of sodium bicarbonate in a very dirty mouth
  • Apply Glycerin or Vaseline to lips if they are dry or cracking
  • Clear and clean equipment and return to proper place
  • Remove screen and leave client comfortable lying on the side

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Key points

  •  Never put fingers in the mouth of an unconscious client as he/she may develop muscle spasms and bite them
  • Position patient in such a way that the back of head is on a pillow so that face tips downwards. This will allow fluid to flow out of the mouth to prevent aspiration
  • Daily oral care is essential to maintain the integrity of the mucous membranes, teeth, gums and lips
  • Poor oral hygiene may affect client’s social interactions and nutritional intake

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Evaluation

  •  How will you position an unconscious patient for mouth wash?
  • What are the complications associated with poor oral hygiene?
  • What are the equipment needed for mouth wash for an unconscious patient?

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