Oral Care for Someone With Chronic Lung Disease

Oral Care

Oral care includes cleaning the mouth and gums and the teeth or dentures. Always be patient and explain what you are about to do. (The person who refuses to brush his teeth can swish and spit out a fluoridated mouthwash rinse.)

1. Gather supplies: disposable gloves, a soft toothbrush, toothpaste or baking soda, warm water in a glass, dental floss, and a bowl.

2. Bring the person to an upright position.

3. If possible, allow the person to clean his or her own teeth. This should be done twice daily and after meals.

4. Be sure the person can spit out water before allowing a sip. Use a water glass for rinsing.

5. If necessary, ask the person to open his or her mouth. Gently brush the front and back teeth up and down.

6. Rinse well by having the person sip water and spit into a bowl.

Oral Care for Someone Who Is Terminally Ill

If your doctor or nurse approves, use hydrogen peroxide diluted with mouthwash or a glycerin/water solution for mouth rinsing. Plain water is best for those who are very sensitive. Your pharmacist can give advice on a gentle mouthwash.

1. Gather supplies: disposable gloves, Toothettes (foam mouth-swabs), mouthwash, warm water in a glass, and a bowl.

2. Cleanse the mouth (roof, tongue, lips, and cheeks) with the disposable toothbrush.

3. Swab the mouth with a Toothette dipped in water and repeat until the foam is gone.

Denture Cleaning

1. Remove the dentures from the mouth.

2. Run them under water and soak them in cleaner in a denture cup.

3. Rinse the person's mouth with water or mouthwash.

4. Stimulate (massage) the gums with a very soft toothbrush.

5. Return the dentures to the person's mouth.

NOTE. Even a person with dentures should have the soft tissues of the mouth checked regularly by a dentist.