Oral Health and Mouth Care

Oral health affects the whole person. This lesson explains how problems in the mouth, such as tooth decay, gum disease, ulcers and poorly fitting dentures, can cause pain, make eating and speaking hard, lead to weight loss and affect confidence. It also explains the link between plaque bacteria and aspiration pneumonia, a chest infection that can occur when food, fluid or saliva goes into the lungs. Key points: many people we support rely on us for mouth care, people who cannot easily say they are in pain may show it through behaviour, and daily mouth care is part of good personal care.

Daily mouth care is a good time to notice problems early. This lesson explains how to take a quick look at the lips, gums, teeth, tongue and dentures with the person's consent and good light, and what signs to report. Key points: report bleeding or swollen gums, broken or loose teeth, ulcers or sores that do not heal within about two weeks, white or red patches, bad breath that does not go away, a coated or very dry tongue, dentures that rub or fall out, and any sign of pain such as refusing food or touching the face. Record what you see and tell your team leader.

Daily cleaning removes plaque, the sticky film of bacteria that causes decay and gum disease. This lesson explains how to support a person to brush, or to brush for them when needed, using a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste twice a day, including the gum line, all tooth surfaces and the tongue. Key points: encourage the person to do as much as they can, position them upright and comfortable, use only a small amount of toothpaste and water if swallowing is a concern, spit rather than rinse unless the plan says otherwise, replace worn brushes, and follow the person's support plan.

Dentures need daily cleaning just like natural teeth, and a dry mouth needs extra attention. This lesson explains how to remove, clean and store dentures: over a basin with water or a towel in case they drop, with a soft brush and mild liquid soap or denture cleaner rather than regular toothpaste, in a labelled container. It also covers cleaning the gums and tongue when dentures are out, taking dentures out overnight unless the plan says otherwise, and easing dry mouth with regular sips of water. Key points: label dentures, report sore spots and poor fit, and report ongoing dry mouth.

Some people find mouth care distressing or difficult, including people living with dementia, people with sensory sensitivities and people with swallowing or positioning needs. This lesson explains how to approach mouth care with patience: choose a calm time, explain simply, show the toothbrush, try hand over hand guidance, and stop and try later if the person says no. It also covers keeping people safe when swallowing is a concern. Key points: never force mouth care, follow the mealtime management plan and speech pathology advice, keep the person upright, use very little water, and record and report ongoing refusal.

Daily mouth care keeps a mouth healthy, but people also need regular check ups with a dentist, dental hygienist or oral health therapist. This lesson explains how to help people keep up dental visits, what options may be available, such as public dental services run by state and territory health departments for eligible people, and how to prepare for an appointment. Key points: support the person's choice of dentist, bring a list of medicines and any mouth problems you have recorded, share relevant information with consent, and make sure any new advice is added to the person's support plan.

This case study follows Rahel, a young woman with cerebral palsy who has swallowing difficulties and a mealtime management plan written by a speech pathologist. She needs full support with mouth care and has had chest infections in the past. The lesson shows how her support worker sets up safe mouth care with her sitting upright, uses very little toothpaste and water, and responds when Rahel starts coughing. Key points: follow the mealtime management plan and speech pathology advice exactly, keep the person upright, keep liquid to a minimum, and stop and follow the plan if coughing starts.

This case study follows Mr Haddad, an older man receiving home care, whose partial denture no longer fits and has been rubbing a sore spot. He is worried about the cost of dental care and has not seen a dentist for some years. The lesson shows how his support worker notices the problem, records it, and works with the team to support Mr Haddad's choice of dental service, prepare for the appointment and follow up the advice. Key points: report problems early, respect the person's choices, prepare well and make sure dental advice reaches the care plan.