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How to Teach Oral Care in Nursing Homes

Oral care and dental hygiene are important regardless of your age. Brushing and flossing--as well as regular dental checkups--are equally important for toddlers, adolescents and even senior citizens. There are, however, specific techniques that should be taught to elderly patients in nursing homes that do not apply to the general population.

In addition, the topic of denture care is a portion of oral care that may affect a large number of nursing home patients. As such, it's important to be covered whenever oral care is taught to this audience. Oral care education must also be directed to the caregivers at a nursing home, since many of the patients cannot physically or mentally take care of themselves.

Things You'll Need

  • Toothbrush
  • Toothpaste
  • Duct tape
  • Caregiver
  • Denture brush
  • Non-abrasive toothbrush
  • Denture solution
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Instructions

  1. Toothbrushing Tips

    • 1

      Use a gentle, soft and soothing voice and manner when helping patients brush and floss. Nursing home patients can be startled by having their heads touched, and they may be more apt to be put at ease when the tone is soothing.

    • 2

      Avoid brushing the tongue as this can cause irritation in elderly patients. Instead, caregivers should use a tongue scraper to clean the tongue.

    • 3

      Help the toothbrush handle become easier to grip and hold onto by wrapping the handle in duck tape.

    • 4

      Teach patients and/or caregivers to brush the eating surfaces using soft, circular motions.

    • 5

      Instruct patients and caregivers to replace toothbrushes every three months. Keep all toothbrushes out of the hands of others to avoid sharing germs.

    Denture Care Tips

    • 6

      Use toothpaste to clean tongue and gum area before inserting dentures into the mouth. This will help prevent bacteria and plaque from spreading.

    • 7

      Use a denture brush to clean dentures daily just as you would your own teeth to eliminate food and plaque from building up.

    • 8

      Soak dentures after removing them each night in warm water or a denture cleaner.

    • 9

      Keep dentures brush clean by soaking them in 50/50 mixtures of household bleach and water for at least one hour weekly.

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