The purpose of this program is to identify residents with signs and symptoms of poor oral hygiene that may benefit from alternative therapy approaches to assist in the management of good oral hygiene. Daily mouth care removes bacteria and food to help promote comfort, health, and can identify life threatening infections and diseases. An interdisciplinary approach among nursing, therapy, and other facility staff can prevent bad breath, bleeding, infected gums, painful tooth decay, abscesses, life-threatening infections, choking related to food pocketing, tooth loss (which can lead to malnutrition and weight loss), and problems controlling diabetes, pneumonia, stroke, and heart disease. Interprofessional communication is key to a successful program.
