Summary
Highlights
Begin by gathering all necessary supplies: a waterproof barrier, a towel, mouthwash, toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, lip balm, two cups (one for water, one for mouthwash solution), and an emesis basin. Wash hands and apply gloves before starting the procedure. Introduce yourself to the patient and explain the care you will be providing. Adjust the bed to a 90-degree angle and a comfortable working height. Place a towel across the patient's chest as a barrier.
Move the table in front of the patient and offer a small sip of water to moisten their mouth. Apply toothpaste to the brush. Brush the outer surfaces of the teeth using a front-to-back motion. Clean the chewing surfaces, then the inside surfaces of the teeth. Use a front-to-back motion to clean the tongue. For the front teeth, use an up-and-down motion. After brushing, offer the emesis basin for the patient to spit out toothpaste, and then offer water for them to swish and spit.
Take approximately 18 inches of dental floss, wind it around your fingers, and floss between each tooth, working along the floss. After flossing, offer another sip of water for rinsing. Next, offer a mouthwash solution consisting of one part mouthwash to three parts water, allowing the patient to rinse for about 30 seconds.
After rinsing, dry the patient's face with the corner of the towel. Offer lip balm, ensuring it is not petroleum-based if the patient is on oxygen due to flammability. Remove all supplies and the towel, placing the towel in the laundry hamper. Return the bed to a 30-degree angle with side rails up, set it to the low position, and ensure the call light is within the patient's reach. Finally, clean up your supplies, remove gloves, wash hands, and record/report the procedure.