Tools that may help
• Toothpaste dispenser( pump or hands free)
• Reusable single oral hygiene instrument for patients with difficulty swallowing and expectorating. This is a toothbrush with a hollow handle attached to a suction device to remove fluids during brushing that would otherwise have to be expectorated. 800-325-9044 • www. trademarkmedical. com / personal-oral. html
• Mouth swabs, such as Toothettes, Sage Foam Oral Swab, McKessin Oral Swabs with Dentifrice, or Monkcare Disposables Oral Swab Sticks
• Suction bulb
• Portable oral suction device( may assist with the clearance of secretions)
• Water irrigating device or water flosser, such as Waterpik Cordless Profloss, Panasonic Dental Flosser, Sonicare Air Flosser, or WaterPik Water Flosser
• Tongue scraper, such as Gum Dual Action Tongue Cleaner and Scraper or Brosite Tongue Cleaner Scrapers
• Dental Wipes, such as EZGO Deep Cleaning Teeth Wipes, Hisight Fresh Breath Deep Cleaning Teeth Finger Brush, or Lurrose Disposable Finger Toothbrush
Flossing
It is difficult enough to floss one’ s own teeth. Flossing another person’ s teeth is even more difficult and can be frustrating. Flossing is a tough job that takes practice. Use whatever type of floss is easiest for you: waxed, unwaxed, plain, or flavored. Wrap 18 inches around your middle fingers. Then, use your thumbs to snap the floss in between the teeth. Try moving the floss up and down, or horizontally back and forth. There are commercially available aids to help you with flossing.
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Water irrigating
Water irrigating devices use water under pressure to flush out debris and plaque between and around teeth. This is an excellent tool if the patient can use the device without aid.
Denture and partial denture care
Dentures and partials are very delicate and may break if dropped even a few inches. When handling dentures, always stand over a folded towel or a basin of water. Like natural teeth, dentures must be brushed daily to remove food deposits and plaque. Brushing dentures keeps one’ s mouth healthy and prevents permanent stains. Use a brush designed for cleaning dentures or a toothbrush with soft bristles. Do not use hard-bristled brushes because they can damage dentures. Some denture wearers use hand soap or mild dishwashing liquid. Do not use other powdered household cleansers, which may be too abrasive. Avoid bleach because it can whiten the pink portion of the denture. When cleaning the denture or partial, the first step is to rinse away loose food particles. Moisten the brush and apply denture cleanser. Brush every surface, scrubbing gently to avoid damage. Next, rinse the denture with water or an antiseptic rinse. Do not allow the denture to dry out because it can lose its shape. Dentures should be taken out at night and placed in a denture cleanser soaking solution or in water.
If not fitting correctly, dentures can cause pain and ulceration of the supportive gum tissue. Be attentive to these complaints. The patient will need to see the dentist for denture adjustments.