Lorraine Poulos

43 1 2 3 4 Know your client’s risks: • Check care plan for assistance and aids required • Understand medical conditions that impact on oral hygiene Before the task: • Prepare aids (electric or modified toothbrush, special gels, mouth wash) • Check with client their preferred position (maybe in the shower) • Attend hand hygiene, apply PPE During the task: • Position towel under chin • Offer solution / water to moisten mouth • Prepare toothbrush and paste • Gently assist the client to move the toothbrush around each quarter of the mouth (30 seconds each quarter) • Encourage spitting, not rinsing, to enable the toothpaste to have effect • If dentures to be cleaned use a soft hand soap, not toothpaste and soak overnight in denture cleaning solution After the task: • Check with client for discomfort or painful spots around gums • Dry chin with towel Document in Client Journal: • Complaints of pain, broken teeth or ulcers • Changes such as cracked teeth, sore gums 5 Personal Care Oral and dental hygiene Guide for consumers, carers and workers