Mouthcare is an important part of daily care as it:

• increases comfort
• prevents mouth sores and
• may improve appetite.

Notes for carers – how can you help?

• assist with regular denture or teeth cleaning (using a soft toothbrush)
• encourage regular mouthwashes
• encourage fluids, ice cubes, gum or pineapple to keep the mouth moist
• look out for white patchy areas on the mouth – they may indicate oral thrush that requires special treatment
• apply petroleum jelly to the lips and
• report any problems to the nurse or doctor.

Common problems

For dry mouth:

• encourage use of sugar-free gum
• encourage fluid intake, sucking ice cubes or pineapple and
• apply petroleum jelly to the lips (unless the person is on oxygen).

For oral thrush (white patchy areas in the mouth):

• clean teeth and dentures with toothbrush and toothpaste and
• treat dentures with thrush treatment.

If either dry mouth or thrush persist, discuss with your nurse or GP.