Table of Contents
REQUIREMENTS #
- A tray containing the following:
- Tooth paste and tooth brush or chewing stick/sponge
- Water in a plastic cup
- Receiver if there is no sink
- Mouth wash
- Protective material
- Lip balm
- Paper tissue
- Examination gloves
- Face mask
- Goggles
- Running tap and sink
- Screen
- Assisting nurse(s)
STEPS #
- Establish rapport (refer procedure)
- Explain procedure to patient
- Discuss with patient the preferred tooth paste and brush or chewing stick/sponge to be used
- Provide privacy and call for assistance when necessary
- Prepare tray to be used for the procedure
- Coax patient to the bathroom/appropriate place using persuasion and minimum force
- Sit patient on a chair/stool or allow patient to stand as desired
- Sit/stand in front of the patient where necessary
- Place protective material under patient’s chin
- Give patient some water to rinse the mouth into sink/receiver
- Assist patient to brush with paste of choice or chewing stick/sponge
- Encourage and assist patient to clean the teeth, tongue and inner cheeks properly
- Give patient water to rinse mouth into sink/receiver
- Provide mouth wash if available
- Give tissue paper to patient and assist him/her to wipe the lips
- Inspect patient’s mouth for any abnormality (stomatitis, coated tongue etc.)
- Apply lip balm to the lips if dried or cracked
- Remove protective material
- Express appreciation to patient and direct him/her to the next activity
- Remove screen, clear tray, decontaminate used items and perform hand hygiene
- Document procedure, report any abnormalities and indicate patient’s level of co-operation in the nurses’ notes/patient’s folder