Nursing Component Task
Nursing procedures & clinical learning

General Nursing (RGN)

Mouth Care

Provision of oral hygiene to maintain oral cleanliness, comfort and health in patients who require assistance.

Purpose

  • Maintain oral hygiene.
  • Promote comfort.
  • Reduce accumulation of oral debris.
  • Support oral health.

Indications

  • Patients unable to perform oral hygiene independently.
  • Unconscious or critically ill patients requiring appropriate oral care.
  • Patients with poor oral hygiene.
  • Patients requiring assisted mouth care.

Equipment

  • Toothbrush or appropriate oral-care equipment
  • Toothpaste where appropriate
  • Water
  • Kidney dish or appropriate receptacle
  • Towel
  • Gloves where indicated

Procedure steps

  • Explain the procedure and provide privacy.
  • Perform hand hygiene.
  • Position the patient safely.
  • Protect clothing and bedding.
  • Inspect the oral cavity.
  • Clean the teeth, gums and tongue appropriately.
  • Allow the patient to rinse where appropriate.
  • Clean and dry the patient's mouth and surrounding area.
  • Dispose of waste appropriately.
  • Document relevant findings and care.

Precautions

  • Use appropriate positioning for patients at risk of aspiration.
  • Avoid causing trauma to oral tissues.
  • Use individual oral-care equipment.
  • Report unusual oral findings.
  • Follow appropriate infection-prevention practices.

Educational resource only. Follow current Nursing and Midwifery Council guidance, local institutional protocols, scope of practice, and clinical supervision.

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