When brushing the teeth of an unconscious patient Why is the toothbrush held so that its bristles are at a 45 degree angle to the gum line?

Eat a well-balanced, and low-sugar diet.

Encourage high fluid intake, if the person is not under any fluid restriction, to keep his mouth fresh.

Eat citrus fruits (eg. oranges), unless this is against medical advice, as these stimulate the production of saliva which naturally cleanse the mouth.

If the person's mouth is dry, and he is on restricted fluids, sugar-free chewing gum may encourage the natural flow of saliva and helps to keep his mouth moist.

Breathe through the nose because mouth breathing makes the mouth dry.

Observe and routinely inspect the oral mucosa for signs of complications.  Please refer to Signs of Trouble.

Brush teeth every morning, after meals, and at bedtime.

A person who wear dentures should rinse the mouth and dentures after meals.

Have well-fitting dentures.

► Mouth pain

► Dry cracked lips

► Dry furred tongue

► Bleeding gums

► Hoarse-voice

► Sores inside the cheeks and gums

Help the person to a sitting position.

Cover his chest and shoulders with a towel to keep his clothes and bed from getting wet.

Allow the person to brush his own teeth and provide assistance when necessary.

If the person cannot hold the toothbrush, assist him in brushing his teeth: 

• Wet the toothbrush and put a small amount of toothpaste on it.

• Place the brush at a 45-degree angle to the gum line and gently brush the outside of the upper teeth downward from the gum line.  Brush the bottom teeth upward from the gum line.

• Use short and gentle strokes to prevent gum damage.

• Brush the chewing part of the bottom and top teeth using a back and forth motion.

• Use the front tip of the toothbrush to brush the insides of the teeth.

• Complete the procedure by gently brushing the gums and tongue.

• Do not put toothbrush too far in the back of the mouth, which can cause gagging.

Provide water for the person to rinse his mouth if he is able.  Hold the bowl under his chin so that he can spit out the water.

If the person wears dentures, clean and rinse the dentures before  replacing them in his mouth.  Please refer to Care of Dentures and Mouth.

Wipe and dry the person's lips and chin.  Make the person comfortable.

Wrap a towel under the person's chin and round his shoulders to protect his clothing.

Prepare a cup of gargle solution dilute according to the manufacturer's instruction.

Hold the cotton ball/gauze with a forceps and dip it into the prepared solution.  Squeeze out excess solution to prevent it from dripping into person's throat which may cause choking (aspiration).

The comatose person requires suctioning to prevent aspiration during oral care.

Gently clean all the surface of the mouth including the teeth.

Use fresh cotton balls/gauze in each dip to keep the solution fresh.

Do not put cotton balls/gauze too far in the back of the mouth, which can cause gagging.

Brush the tongue because it harbors bacteria that can cause dental problems.

Clean the gum whether or not the person is wearing dentures.

Clean and rinse the dentures and replace in the person's mouth.

Finally, wipe and dry the person's lips and chin; make the person comfortable.

Brush or soak dentures with a denture cleaner in the morning, after meals and at bedtime.

When using cleaning product, follow the instructions that come with the cleaner.

The first step in cleaning dentures is to rinse away loose food particles thoroughly.

Brush the dentures with soft bristles toothbrush under running water, holding it with the palm of your hand.  Brush every surface, scrubbing gently to avoid damage.  You may brush the denture with denture cleanser.

Dentures are very delicate and may break if dropped.  Put a washcloth in the sink when washing them to prevent breakage from dropping.

Always soak the dentures in a denture cup when not in use.  Dentures may lose their shape if they are allowed to dry out.

Never soak dentures in hot water because this can cause them to warp.

Clean the person's mouth after removing the dentures or ask him to rinse his mouth with water mixed with mouthwash.

Use a soft toothbrush to massage the gums and roof of the mouth and tongue.

Soak dentures overnight in a denture cup filled with a denture cleaning solution using tablets or paste.  The solution will help to loosen and remove stains and deposits.

Rinse the dentures in running warm water again after soaking, and brush natural teeth, before putting dentures back into the person's mouth.

Loose dentures can cause irritation in the mouth.  Check the inside of the mouth for sores that may be caused by poorly fitting dentures.

If dentures are causing sores, remove the dentures until the sores healed.

Put on gloves or use a tissue paper to hold the dentures.

To remove a full denture, hold the denture with your thumbs and index fingers and tilt it away from the gum.  Gently wiggle the denture and pull it forward and out of the mouth.

Put the denture in the denture cup.

To remove a partial denture, lift the metal clamp with your fingertip.

Clean the person's mouth after the dentures are removed.

Put on gloves or use a tissue paper to hold the dentures.

Apply adhesive liner or fixative to the dentures if the person uses them.

Wet the dentures before putting them in the mouth to help seal them to the gums.

Begin by gently inserting upper denture.  Use your thumbs and index fingers to press the denture firmly in place, sealing it against the palate.

Repeat for the lower denture.

Check the inside of the mouth for sores.  If present, refrain from wearing dentures until the sores healed. Consult your doctor.

Check with the person if the dentures feel comfortable when you have place them in his mouth.