Mouth Care (Oral Hygiene)
Providing oral hygiene maintains mouth health, prevents infection, and promotes resident comfort and dignity.
1Step-by-Step Procedure
- 1
Gather equipment: toothbrush, toothpaste, emesis basin, cup of water, towel, gloves, lip moisturizer (optional).
- 2
Wash hands and put on gloves.
- 3
Identify the resident and explain the procedure.
- 4
Raise the bed to a comfortable height; raise the head of the bed to at least 45 degrees if tolerated (to prevent aspiration).
- 5
Place a towel across the resident's chest to protect clothing.
- 6
Offer the resident a sip of water to moisten the mouth.
- 7
Apply a small amount of toothpaste (pea-sized) to the toothbrush.
- 8
Brush the outer surfaces of all teeth in small circular or back-and-forth motions.
- 9
Brush the inner surfaces of all teeth.
- 10
Brush the chewing (biting) surfaces of all teeth.
- 11
Gently brush the tongue from back to front to remove bacteria and freshen breath.
- 12
Have the resident rinse with water and spit into the emesis basin, or gently wipe the mouth if the resident cannot expectorate.
- 13
Apply lip moisturizer if indicated.
- 14
Remove the towel; make the resident comfortable.
- 15
Empty and clean the emesis basin.
- 16
Remove gloves and wash hands.
- 17
Lower the bed; ensure call light is within reach.
- 18
Document mouth care provided and any observations of oral health.
What the Examiner Is Watching For
- ✓
Gloves are worn throughout the procedure.
- ✓
All tooth surfaces and the tongue are brushed.
- ✓
Head of bed is elevated to prevent aspiration.
- ✓
Towel protects the resident's clothing.
- ✓
Equipment is cleaned and disposed of properly after use.
Common Mistakes That Cause Failure
- ⚠
Forgetting to raise the head of the bed — this increases aspiration risk.
- ⚠
Not brushing the tongue.
- ⚠
Using too much toothpaste — a pea-sized amount is correct.
- ⚠
Not protecting clothing with a towel.
- ⚠
Removing gloves before all oral care equipment is cleaned and put away.
Tips for Exam Day
- →
Head of bed up first — aspiration prevention is a safety priority.
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Brush all surfaces: outer teeth, inner teeth, chewing surfaces, and tongue.
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Gloves on for the entire procedure; remove only after all equipment is cleaned.
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Lip moisturizer is the finishing touch — ask the examiner if it is part of your state's checklist.
Also study the written exam topics
Physical Care Skills makes up 45% of the written exam — the same procedures you just reviewed will appear as multiple-choice questions.
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