Keeping well: mouthcare
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.