MOH NURSING CLINICAL PRACTICE GUIDELINES 1/2004

Nursing Management
of Oral Hygiene

Ministry
of
NMRC
National Medical
Singapore Private
Hospitals
Nursing Administrators
Health Research Council Group

December 2004
MOH NURSING CLINICAL PRACTICE GUIDELINES 1/2004

Nursing Management
of Oral Hygiene

Singapore
December 2004
STATEMENT OF INTENT

This set of guidelines aims to guide healthcare workers who are involved
in caring for patients who require assistance in maintaining oral hygiene.

The recommendations are based on the available research findings and

existing evidence-based guidelines. However, there are some aspects in
which there is insufficient published research and, therefore, consensus
of experts in the field has been used to provide guidelines specific to
conventional practice.

Every healthcare worker must exercise clinical judgement in the nursing

management of oral hygiene for patients who need assistance. It is
recommended that the guidelines are used with consideration for the
individual patient’s oral health status, overall treatment goal, resource
availability, institutional policies and other care options available.

Copyright © 2004 by Ministry of Health, Singapore.

ii
FOREWORD

Oral hygiene has significant impact on patients’ general well-being and

their quality of life. Patients need adequate oral care to eat and talk
comfortably, feel happy with their appearance, maintain self-esteem and
normal standards of hygiene. However, the circumstances surrounding
hospitalisation and ill-health can lead to neglect of oral hygiene.

Care of the mouth is one of the most basic nursing activities. It is an

important aspect of care that needs to be carried out consistently. Nurses
play a vital role in providing effective oral care and promoting oral hygiene.
To draw attention to this area of need, we are pleased to present the
guidelines on ‘Nursing Management of Oral Hygiene’. This set of evidence-
based guidelines serves to guide healthcare providers in caring for patients
who require assistance with oral hygiene. I would like to encourage you
to make good use of it and incorporate it into your nursing practice.

PROFESSOR K SATKU
DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL SERVICES

iii
 CONTENTS
FOREWORD
1 SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS 1

2 INTRODUCTION 6
2.1 Background 6
2.2 Definition 7
2.3 Scope of the Guidelines 7

3 DEVELOPMENT OF GUIDELINES 9
3.1 Training and Guidance 9
3.2 Strategy and Literature Review 9
3.3 Evaluation of Evidence and Grading of
Recommendations 9
3.4 Guidelines Review and Revision 12
3.5 Limitations 12

4 ALGORITHM FOR THE NURSING MANAGEMENT OF

ORAL HYGIENE 13

5 GUIDELINES AND RECOMMENDATIONS 14

5.1 Assessment 14
5.2 Oral Cleansing Methods 17
5.3 Oral Cleansing Agents 19
5.4 Frequency of Oral Hygiene 22
5.5 Denture Care 23
5.6 Patient Education 24

6 QUALITY ASSURANCE 25
6.1 Parameters for Evaluation 25
6.2 Management Role 25

iv
7 IMPLEMENTATION OF GUIDELINES 26

REFERENCES 27

WORKGROUP MEMBERS 30

ANNEX 1 ORAL ASSESSMENT GUIDE 31

ANNEX 2 SELF ASSESSMENT 32

v
1 SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS

Assessment

Use Oral Assessment Guide (OAG) [Annex 1] on patients

identified as requiring assistance with oral hygiene during routine
assessment. C/2++

The following eight categories should be assessed daily using

the three ratings: B/2++

1 = Normal findings.
2 = Mild abnormality without compromise of either mucosal
integrity or loss of function.
3 = Severe abnormality with compromise of either mucosal
integrity or loss of function.

i. Voice
Communicate with patient and listen whether
1 the voice is normal; or
2 the voice is deep / raspy (hoarse); or
3 patient has difficulty talking or experienced pain

ii. Swallow Reflex

Ask patient to swallow and observe whether
1 the swallowing is normal; or
2 patient experiences some pain on swallowing; or
3 patient is unable to swallow

iii. Lips
Observe lips and assess whether they are
1 smooth, pink, moist; or
2 dry or cracked; or
3 ulcerated or bleeding

1
iv. Tongue
Observe the tongue and assess whether it is
1 pink, moist, and papillae present; or
2 coated or there is loss of papillae with a shiny appearance, with or
without redness; or
3 blistered or cracked

v. Saliva
Insert a spatula into mouth, touching the centre of the tongue and the
floor of the mouth and observe whether
1 the saliva is watery; or
2 the saliva is thick; or
3 there is absence of saliva

vi. Mucous Membrane

Observe the mucous membrane in the oral cavity and determine if it
is
1 pink and moist; or
2 reddened or coated (increased whiteness) without ulceration; or
3 ulcerated with or without bleeding

vii. Gingiva (Gums)

Gently press the gums with end of spatula and observe whether
1 they are pink and stippled and firm; or
2 they are oedematous with or without redness; or
3 there is spontaneous bleeding or bleeding with pressure

viii. Teeth or Denture Bearing Area

Observe the appearance of the teeth or denture bearing area and
determine whether
1 they are clean with no debris; or
2 there are plaque or debris in localized area (between teeth if
present); or
3 there are plaque or debris generalized along gum line or denture
bearing area

2
Nursing interventions should be based on the rating for each
category D/4

Rating Description Nursing Interventions

1 Normal findings Continue with routine oral care
No treatment

2 Mild abnormality Continue with routine oral care

Close monitoring
Inform primary doctor

3 Severe abnormality Perform oral care with caution

Inform primary doctor
Perform treatment as ordered

Institutions should establish the frequency of performing oral

assessment for patients that is sensitive and specific to their
clinical settings. D/4

Oral Cleansing Methods

- Toothbrushes
Toothbrushing should be the first line of oral cleansing method
unless the patient is prone to bleeding, pain or aspiration. C/2++

Brush teeth at least twice a day, preferably soon after awakening

in the morning and before going to bed. D/4

Use soft-bristled, small-ended toothbrush. D/4

- Foam Swabs
Use foam swabs/ brushes with chlorhexidine or toothpaste
when toothbrushing is not advisable. For example, in the
elderly or patients with bleeding tendency. D/4

Do not use foam swabs for longer than necessary. B/2++

- Mouth Square
Do not use mouth square/ cotton square/ gauze. D/4

3
Oral Cleansing Agents

Brush teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice daily for the prevention
and control of dental caries. A/1+

Avoid glycerine-based oral cleansing agents. D/4

Do not use glycerine-based products containing lemon. D/4

Use appropriately diluted (according to manufacturer’s instruction)

sodium bicarbonate for dissolving viscous mucous. D/4

Hydrogen peroxide should be used only upon the advice or

prescription of the physician or dentist. It is not recommended
for daily routine use. A/1+

Use chlorhexidine mouthwash twice daily as prescribed to

complement oral care procedures. B/1+

Use normal saline mouthwash for patients with oral lesions. D/4

Frequency of Oral Hygiene

The frequency of oral hygiene should be determined by patient

comfort and the status of the oral cavity. It should be performed
at least twice a day. D/4

Denture Care

Clean dentures with a denture brush/ toothbrush and soap/

toothpaste at least once daily. Chemical denture-cleansing
agents can be used in addition to cleaning with soap and water.
Rinse off the cleansing agent before use. D/4

4
Soak dentures in clean water or with commercial denture-
cleansing agents at night or when not worn. D/4

Clean denture storage container with soap and water or dispose

it at least once a week. D/4

Date and label patient’s name on all denture storage containers. D/4

Patient Education

The healthcare worker should involve the patient and his caregiver
in the oral hygiene programme. D/4

5
2 INTRODUCTION

2.1 Background

The oral cavity is known to be a reservoir for pathogens to grow and thrive.
Poor oral hygiene can lead to complications such as gingivitis, halitosis,
xerostomia, plaque formation and dental caries. Recent studies have also
associated chest infection and pneumonia with poor oral hygiene (Schleder
et al, 2002; Yoneyama et.al, 2002). The literature consistently supports
that various diseases/ conditions like diabetes, renal failure, malnutrition
and dehydration and being on oxygen therapy, cancer therapy,
immunosuppressive drugs, and antibiotic or phenytoin treatment increases
an individual’s risk of oral complications. Therefore, such patients will
require more attention to their oral hygiene.

Care of the mouth is an important nursing procedure and should be

performed as part of the routine general hygiene of a patient. Nurses
play an important role in providing effective oral care and promoting oral
hygiene. However, oral hygiene has often been overlooked by health care
workers and performed on an ad hoc basis. In some instances, it has
become a ritualistic and banal activity. Sporadic research has generated
conflicting advice. Furthermore, it was reported that the delivery of oral
care within institutional settings is fragmented (Roberts, 2001).

Oral assessment is an integral part of oral care and should take place on
admission. Evidence has suggested that early assessment can reduce
both the incidence and severity of oral complications. Once an oral
assessment has been carried out, it is important to give appropriate oral
care interventions based on individual patient’s needs. Ongoing oral
assessment should be performed to prevent oral complications and to
ensure optimal oral health.

6
2.2 Definitions

Oral hygiene: The condition or practice of maintaining the tissues and

structures of the mouth in healthy state.

Dental caries: A plaque-induced disease caused by the complex interaction

of food, especially starches and sugars, with bacteria that form dental
plaque.

Debris: The dead, diseased or damaged tissue and any foreign material
that is to be removed from a wound or other area being treated.

Gingivitis: A condition in which the gingival margin around the teeth may
be red, swollen, and bleeding.

Dental plaque: A biofilm composed of microorganisms that attaches with

acquired pellicle (crust) to the teeth and causes dental caries and infections
of the gingival tissue.

Halitosis: Offensive breath commonly caused by poor oral hygiene, dental

or oral infections.

Xerostomia: Dryness of the mouth caused by reduced saliva secretion.

2.3 Scope of the Guidelines

These clinical practice guidelines are tools for guiding the delivery of
nursing care to patients who require assistance in maintaining oral hygiene.

The recommendations presented in this guideline are based on the

available evidence. The guidelines aim to:

(a) specify nursing interventions in providing good oral hygiene care.

(b) improve patient oral health quality through on-going oral assessment
and early interventions.

7
These guidelines are intended for healthcare workers who provide care
and interventions for adults in healthcare institutions. The recommendations
are not applicable for oral care of neonates and children. They are also
not appropriate for patients with underlying oral pathologies, post maxillo-
oral surgery, and patients with bleeding tendency.

8
3 DEVELOPMENT OF GUIDELINES

3.1 Training and Guidance

Members of the workgroup attended a two-day workshop conducted by

Dr Edwin Chan & Dr Miny Samuel of the Clinical Trials & Epidemiology
Research Unit, to learn and discuss the theory and practical issues of
developing evidence-based guidelines. The practical training revolved
around topic selection and the development of "mock" evidence-based
guidelines which developed into these present guidelines.

3.2 Strategy and Literature Review

The workgroup performed the literature search systematically using the

key words ‘oral hygiene’, ‘oral health’, ‘oral care’ and ‘oral toilet’ in the
following electronic databases: CINAHL, MEDLINE and the Cochrane
Library. National Guideline Clearinghouse was searched for related
guidelines. A systematic review of literature was carried out on the articles
found.

3.3 Evaluation of Evidence and Grading of Recommendations

We have adopted the revised Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network

(SIGN) system which gives clear guidance on how to evaluate the design
of individual studies and grade each study’s level of evidence (see 3.3.1
and 3.3.2); and how to assign a grade to the recommendation after taking
into account external validity, result consistency, local constraints and
expert opinion (see 3.3.3). For areas where available evidence was
inconsistent or inconclusive, recommendations were made based on the
clinical experience and judgement of the workgroup or expert committee
reports.

3.3.1 Individual Study Validity Rating

All primary studies and reviews addressing a particular topic were appraised
using a SIGN checklist appropriate to the study's design. These were
individually rated for internal validity using the system below:

9
 Rating Description

++ All or most of the criteria have been fulfilled. Where they have
not been fulfilled the conclusions of the study or review are
thought very unlikely to alter.

+ Some of the criteria have been fulfilled. Those criteria that

have not been fulfilled or not adequately described are thought
unlikely to alter the conclusions.

- Few or no criteria fulfilled. The conclusions of the study are

thought likely or very likely to alter.

3.3.2 Levels of Evidence

Each study is assigned a level of evidence by combining the design

designation and its validity rating using the system below:

Level Type of Edvidence

1++ High quality meta-analyses, systematic reviews of RCTs, or
RCTs with a very low risk of bias.

1+ Well-conducted meta-analyses, systematic reviews, or RCTs

with a low risk of bias.

1- Meta-analyses, systematic reviews, or RCTs with a high risk

of bias.

2++ High quality systematic reviews of case-control or cohort or

studies.
High quality case-control or cohort studies with a very low
risk of confounding or bias and a high probability that the
relationship is causal.

2+ Well-conducted case-control or cohort studies with a low risk

of confounding or bias and a moderate probability that the
relationship is causal.

2- Case-control or cohort studies with a high risk of confounding

or bias and a significant risk that the relationship is not causal.

3 Non-analytic studies e.g. case reports, case series.

4 Expert opinion.

10
3.3.3 Grades of Recommendation

The detailed results of each study and mitigating local circumstances

were considered in formulation of each recommendation which was then
graded using the system below:

Grade Recommendation

A At least one meta-analysis, systematic review, or RCT

rated as 1++, and directly applicable to the target
population; or
A body of evidence, consisting principally of studies rated
as 1+, directly applicable to the target population, and
demonstrating overall consistency of results.

B A body of evidence, including studies rated as 2++, directly

applicable to the target population, and demonstrating
overall consistency of results; or
Extrapolated evidence from studies rated as 1++ or 1+.

C A body of evidence including studies rated as 2+, directly

applicable to the target population and demonstrating
overall consistency or results; or
Extrapolated evidence from studies rated as 2++.

D Evidence level 3 or 4 ; or
Extrapolated evidence from studies rated as 2+.

3.3.4 Interpretation of the D/4 grading

The grading system emphasises the quality of the experimental support

underpinning each recommendation. The grading D/4 was assigned in
cases where

- it would be unreasonable to conduct a RCT because the correct practice

is logically obvious;

11
- recommendations were derived from existing high quality evidence-
based guidelines. We alert the user to this special status by appending
the initials of their source e.g. (D/4 – Fantl et al 1996).

3.4 Guidelines Review and Revision

Drafts of the guidelines were circulated to healthcare institutions for peer

review on validity, reliability and practicality of the recommendations.

These guidelines will be reviewed and revised periodically to incorporate

the latest relevant evidence and expert clinical opinion.

3.5 Limitations

These guidelines offer recommendations that are based on available

scientific evidence and professional judgement. They are not intended as
the legal standard of care.

Users of these guidelines should determine the appropriate and safe

patient care practices based on assessment of the circumstances of the
particular patient, their own clinical experiences and their knowledge of
the most recent research findings.

12
4 ALGORITHM FOR THE NURSING MANAGEMENT OF
ORAL HYGIENE

Patient who requires

assistance with oral
hygiene

Assess oral cavity

Presence of Yes Refer to

abnormality? physician

No
Perform treatment
as ordered

Presence of Yes
Care of dentures
denture?

No

- Select appropriate cleasing

tools
- Selects appropriate
cleasing agents
- Determine frenquency

Perform oral care

13
5 GUIDELINES AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1 Assessment

Guideline 1: Oral Assessment Guide

Use Oral Assessment Guide (OAG) [adapted from Eilers et al (1988),

refer to Annex 1] on patients identified as requiring assistance with oral
hygiene during routine assessment. (C/2 ++ )

Rationale:

- Accurate baseline assessment is required for planning of oral care.

(Eilers et al, 1988)

- OAG uses a rating system and offers a reliable and clinically useful tool
for obtaining and recording oral cavity status. It has a high inter-rater
reliability when administered by nurses knowledgeable in its use.
(Eilers et al, 1988)

Guideline 2: Oral Assessment Category

The following eight categories should be assessed daily using the three
ratings:

1 = Normal findings.
2 = Mild abnormality without compromise of either mucosal
integrity or loss of function.
3 = Severe abnormality with compromise of either mucosal
integrity or loss of function. (B/2++)

i. Voice
Communicate with patient and listen whether
1 the voice is normal; or
2 the voice is deep / raspy (hoarse); or
3 patient has difficulty talking or experienced pain

14
ii. Swallow Reflex
Ask patient to swallow and observe whether
1 the swallowing is normal; or
2 patient experiences some pain on swallowing; or
3 patient is unable to swallow

iii. Lips
Observe lips and assess whether they are
1 smooth, pink, moist; or
2 dry or cracked; or
3 ulcerated or bleeding

iv. Tongue
Observe the tongue and assess whether it is
1 pink, moist, and papillae present; or
2 coated or there is loss of papillae with a shiny appearance, with or
without redness; or
3 blistered or cracked

v. Saliva
Insert a spatula into mouth, touching the centre of the tongue and the
floor of the mouth and observe whether
1 the saliva is watery; or
2 the saliva is thick; or
3 there is absence of saliva

vi. Mucous Membrane

Observe the mucous membrane in the oral cavity and determine if it
is
1 pink and moist; or
2 reddened or coated (increased whiteness) without ulceration; or
3 ulcerated with or without bleeding

vii. Gingiva (Gums)

Gently press the gums with end of spatula and observe whether
1 they are pink and stippled and firm; or
2 they are oedematous with or without redness; or
3 there is spontaneous bleeding or bleeding with pressure

15
viii. Teeth or Denture Bearing Area
Observe the appearance of the teeth or denture bearing area and
determine whether
1 they are clean with no debris; or
2 there are plaque or debris in localized area (between teeth if
present); or
3 there are plaque or debris generalized along gum line or denture
bearing area

Rationale:

- These categories reflect oral health status and are pertinent as a guide
for an effective oral assessment. (Eilers et al, 1988)

Guideline 3: Recommended Intervention

Nursing interventions should be based on the rating for each category.

Rating Description Nursing Interventions

1 Normal findings Continue with routine oral care
No treatment

2 Mild abnormality Continue with routine oral care

Close monitoring
Inform primary doctor

3 Severe abnormality Perform oral care with caution

Inform primary doctor
Perform treatment as ordered

(D/4)

Guideline 4

Institutions should establish the frequency of performing oral assessment

for patients that is sensitive and specific to their clinical settings. (D/4)

16
5.2 Oral Cleansing Methods

5.2.1 Toothbrushes

Guideline 1

Toothbrushing

Toothbrushing should be the first line of oral cleansing method unless the
patient is prone to bleeding, pain or aspiration. (C/2++)

Rationale:

- Toothbrushing is an effective means of reducing plaque and gingivitis.

(Pearson et al, 2002)

- Toothbrushing removes more plaque and cleans approximal and crevice

sites better than foam swabs. (Pearson et al, 2002)

- It is most economical.
(Bowsher et al, 1999; Fiske et al, 2000; Miller & Kearney, 2001)

Guideline 2

Frequency of Toothbrushing

Brush teeth at least twice a day, preferably soon after awakening in the
morning and before going to bed. (D/4 – Adair et al, 2001)

Rationale:

- Toothbrushing twice a day is a reasonable social norm that is convenient

to most people. (Adair et al, 2001; Darby & Walsh, 1995)

17
Guideline 3

Use soft-bristled, small-ended toothbrush.

(D/4 - Dykewicz et al, 2000; Madeya, 1996; Miller & Kearney, 2001)

Rationale:

- Soft-bristled, small-ended toothbrush is efficient in plague removal with

minimal gingival trauma. (Bowsher et al, 1999; Madeya, 1996)

- It is an effective means for cleaning teeth even when individuals are

unable to do so independently. (Miller & Kearney, 2001)

5.2.2 Foam Swabs

Guideline 1

Use foam swabs/brushes with chlorhexidine or toothpaste when

toothbrushing is not advisable. For example, in the elderly or patients with
bleeding tendency. (D/4 - Griffiths et al, 2000)

Rationale:

- Use of toothbrush in a geriatric person can cause irritation and trauma

to sensitive tissues more readily and reduce the effectiveness of oral
care. (Dewalt, 1975)

- Patients with reduced platelets count are prone to gingival bleeding

during toothbrushing. (Ransier et al, 1995)

- Foam swabs are less abrasive and reduces further trauma to the oral
cavity (Dewalt, 1975; Pearson, 1996)

- Foam swabs “massage” the mucosa and increase blood flow, and thus
promote saliva production. (Miller & Kearney, 2001)

18
Guideline 2

Do not use foam swabs for longer than necessary. (B/2++)

Rationale:

- Compared to toothbrush, foam brushes/swabs remove less dental debris

and plague, especially from “sheltered” areas of the teeth and gingival
tissue. Prolonged use might aggravate these dental problems.
(Dykewickz et al, 2000; Pearson et al, 2002; Ransier et al, 1995)

5.2.3 Mouth Square

Guideline 1

Do not use mouth square/cotton square/gauze. (D/4)

Rationale:

- Cleansing with gauze, even when performed four hourly, exerts only
transient effects, and is ineffective in removing debris.
(Holmes, 1996)

5.3 Oral Cleansing Agents

Guideline 1

Fluoride Toothpaste

Brush teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice daily for the prevention and
control of dental caries. (A/1+)

Rationale:

- Fluoride is recognised to be the safest and most effective cleansing

agent.

- Fluoride reduces the incidence of dental caries and prevents cavities.

(Adair et al, 2001)

19
Guideline 2

Glycerine-Based Products

Avoid glycerine-based oral cleansing agents. (D/4 - Bruner et al, 1998)

Rationale:

- Glycerine is a trihydric alcohol that absorbs water, dries and irritates

exposed tissue. (Crosby, 1989; Warner, 1986)

- Glycerine is acidic solution, with a pH of 2.6 to 3.9. It decalcifies the

teeth chemically, has no cleansing action and reduces salivary amylase
level. The lower pH of the mouth will facilitate opportunities for bacterial
or fungal infection. (Warner, 1986)

Guideline 3

Glycerine-Based Products With Lemon

Do not use glycerine-based products containing lemon. (D/4)

Rationale:

- Glycerine-lemon combination acts to dry the mouth and results in reflex

exhaustion, i.e. lemon juice stimulates saliva production and glycerine
absorbs water. This can also irritate broken mucosa. Therefore, glycerine
with lemon is not appropriate for mouth care. (Warner, 1986)

Guideline 4

Sodium Bicarbonate

Use appropriately diluted (according to manufacturer’s instruction) sodium

bicarbonate for dissolving viscous mucous. (D/4)

Rationale:

- Sodium bicarbonate dissolves viscous mucous chemically and removes

debris. (Beck & Yasko, 1993)

20
- Incorrect dilution of sodium bicarbonate can cause superficial burns of
the mucosa. (Kite & Pearson, 1995)

- Incorrect dilution of sodium bicarbonate can alter the pH of the oral

cavity to become more alkaline which causes bacteria to multiply.
(Miller & Kearney, 2001)

Guideline 5

Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide should be used only upon the advice or prescription

of the physician or dentist. It is not recommended for daily routine use.
(A/1+)

Rationale:

- Hydrogen peroxide chemically destroys bacteria and mechanically

cleanses wound surfaces. When hydrogen peroxide comes in contact
with blood, pus, serum, wound exudates, bacteria or other debris, oxygen
is liberated. Oxygen released causes froth and bubbles to be formed,
thereby loosening degenerated tissues and removes abnormal tongue
coating and debris.

- However, hydrogen peroxide impinges on the normal microflora of the

mouth and this promotes fungal overgrowth.

- Hydrogen peroxide should not be used when the patient has any fresh
granulation surfaces in the mouth, as it tends to break down the new
tissues. (Fischman et al, 1992; Passos et al, 1966)

Guideline 6

Chlorhexidine Mouthwash

Use chlorhexidine mouthwash twice daily as prescribed to complement

oral care procedures. (B/1+)

21
Rationale:

- Chlorhexidine has broad-spectrum antibacterial and antifungal activity.

It has both preventive and therapeutic roles in preventing plaque formation
and the development of gingivitis. It also has anti-caries properties.
(Weitz et al, 1992)

- Chlorhexidine is rapidly absorbed onto the bacterial cell surface. It

disrupts the cytoplasmic membrane binding to oral tissue for extended
periods, resulting in sustained-release effect. Thus, twice daily use is
recommended. (Ransier et al, 1995; Weitz et al, 1992)

- Prolonged use of chlorhexidine may result in the formation of superficial

yellow, brownish stain. This stain can be removed by toothbrushing.
Moreover, its prolonged use can also alter taste perception.
(Weitz et al, 1992)

Guideline 7

Normal Saline Mouthwash

Use normal saline mouthwash for patients with oral lesions. (D/4)

Rationale:

- Normal saline promotes healing and granulation of tissue.

(Daeffler, 1980)

5.4 Frequency of Oral Hygiene

Guideline 1

The frequency of oral hygiene should be determined by patient comfort

and the status of the oral cavity. It should be performed at least twice a
day. (D/4)

22
Rationale:

- To maintain patient comfort.

- Frequent mouth care is required for patients not secreting a normal

amount of saliva. (Turner, 1994)

5.5 Denture Care

Guideline 1

Clean dentures with a denture brush/ toothbrush and soap/ toothpaste at

least once daily. Chemical denture-cleansing agents can be used in
addition to cleaning with soap and water. Rinse off the cleansing agent
before use. (D/4 - Johnson & Chalmers, 2002)

Rationale:

- Physical cleaning is essential to ensure dentures are clean.

- To prevent denture-induced infection (Johnson & Chalmers, 2002)

Guideline 2

Soak dentures in clean water or with commercial denture-cleansing agents

at night or when not worn. (D/4 - Johnson & Chalmers, 2002)

Rationale:

- Regular removal of denture calculus, debris and staining is essential to

good denture care. (Johnson & Chalmers, 2002)

23
Guideline 3

Clean denture storage container with soap and water or dispose it at least
once a week. (D/4 - Johnson & Chalmers, 2002)

Rationale:

- Regular cleaning of denture storage containers is required to maintain

cleanliness and to prevent growth of micro-organisms.
(Johnson & Chalmers, 2002)

Guideline 4

Date and label patient’s name on all denture storage containers.

(D/4 - Johnson & Chalmers, 2002)

Rationale:

- To prevent mix-up of dentures and the potential for cross-infection.

(Xavier, 2000)

5.6 Patient Education

Guideline 1

The healthcare worker should involve the patient and his caregiver in the
oral hygiene programme. (D/4)

Rationale:

- Outcome is enhanced when the patient and his caregiver participate in

the management of oral hygiene.

24
6 QUALITY ASSURANCE

Healthcare administrators should consider these guidelines in their in-

house quality assurance programmes. Nurses should critically review the
implications of these guidelines for their routine care delivery, trainee
teaching and patient education needs.

6.1 Parameters for Evaluation

In the nursing management of oral hygiene, the quality of care may be

evaluated using indicators such as:

- Proportion of dependent* patients with appropriate oral hygiene performed

- Rate of oral infection (amongst the dependent patients) related to

ineffective oral hygiene care

*Dependent patients are defined as patients who need assistance in

performing oral hygiene.

Closer monitoring can be conducted for further evaluation of the quality

of oral care.

6.2 Management Role

Healthcare administrators, together with quality assurance teams, should

ensure that the targets for the outcome indicators are met. They may
benchmark against hospitals or institutions that perform well.

25
7 IMPLEMENTATION OF GUIDELINES

It is expected that these guidelines will be adopted after discussion with

healthcare administrators and clinical staff. They may review how these
guidelines may complement or be incorporated into their existing institution
protocols.

Feedback may be directed to the Ministry of Health for consideration for

future review.

26
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Beck S L & Yasko J M. 1993. Guidelines for Oral Care (2nd ed). Crystal
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Bowsher J, Boyle S & Griffiths J. 1999. A clinical effectiveness review: A

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Bruner D W, Bucholtz J D, Iwamoto R R & Strohl R. (Eds.). 1998. Manual

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WORKGROUP MEMBERS

Chairman:
Tay Wei Sern
RN, MNursing, BNursing

Secretary:
Kong Lan Pei
RN, BNursing, Adv Dip (Critical Care Nursing), CCNC

Members:
Indy Gui Sin Ying
RN, BNursing

Lim Siew Ming, Meliza

RN, BHSN, Adv Dip (Gerontological Nursing), CCNC
Tan Lian Eng Belinda
RN, Grad Dip (Cancer Nursing), BHSN

Yeo Chor Buay

RN, BSc (Nursing), Dip (Otolaryngology)

Secretariat:
(till 31 Mar 03)
Tan Khoon Kiat
RN, MEd, BSc (Hon) Nursing Studies, Adv Dip (QM)

(from 1 Apr 03)

Chen Yee Chui
RN, BNursing (Hon), Cert DN

External Consultant:
Dr Edwin Chan Shih-Yen
PhD, BSc, BVMS
Deputy Director/ Head of Evidence-based Medicine
Clinical Trials & Epidemiology Research Unit

Dr Miny Samuel
PhD, MSc
Evidence-based Medicine Analyst
Clinical Trials & Epidemiology Research Unit

External Reviewer:
Prof Chew Chong Lin
Chief Dental Officer
Ministry of Health

30
ANNEX 1 ORAL ASSESSMENT GUIDE

Category Mode of Assessment Score Description

Auditory 1 Normal
Voice Converse with patient & 2 Deep or horse
listen 3 Difficulty in talking or painful

Observation 1 Normal swallow

Ask patient to swallow. 2 Some pain on swallow
Swallow To test gag reflex, gently 3 Unable to swallow
place spatula on back of
tongue & depress

Visual/ palpatory 1 Smooth, pink & moist

Lips Observe tissue 2 Dry or cracked
3 Ulcerated or bleeding

Visual/ palpatory 1 Pink, moist & papillae present

Tongue Observe appearence of 2 Coated & loss of papillae with a shiny
tissue appearence with or without redness
3 Blistered or cracked

Spatula 1 Watery
Insert spatula into mouth, 2 Thick
Saliva touching the centre of the 3 Absent
tongue & the floor of the
mouth

Visual 1 Pink & Moist

Mucous 2
Membrance Observe appearence of Reddened or coated (whiteness)
tissue without ulceration
3 Ulceration with or without bleeding

Spatula & visual 1 Pink, stippled & firm

Gingiva Gently press tissue with 2 Oedematous with or without
(Gums) tip of spatula redness
3 Spontaneous bleeding or
bleeding with pressure

Teeth or Visual 1 Clean & no debris

Denture Observe appearance of 2 Plague/ debris in localised area
(Denture teeth or denture bearing (between teeth if present)
Bearing area Generalised plague & debris along
Area) 3
gum line or denture bearing area
Adapted from: Eilers et al (1988) Staff Initial:

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 ANNEX 2 SELF ASSESSMENT

1 The first line of oral cleansing method is

A foam swabs.
B mouth rinsing.
C toothbrushing.
D cleaning with forceps and mouth squares.

2 The safest and most effective cleansing agent is

A fluoride.
B chlorhexidine.
C normal saline.
D hydrogen peroxide.

3 The recommended oral hygiene practices include the following EXCEPT

A Plaque reduction
B Control of bacterial growth
C Maintain an intact oral mucosa
D Aggressive brushing with hard bristles

4 When performing oral care, it is no longer recommended to use

A water.
B chlorhexidine.
C lemon glycerine.
D sodium bicarbonate.

5 The recommended frequency for chlorhexidine mouthwash is

A once a day
B twice a day
C three times a day
D four times a day

6 The scope of this clinical practice guideline does NOT include patients with
A physical impairment.
B cognitive impairment.
C difficulty in speaking and/or swallowing.
D bleeding tendencies and post maxillo-oral surgery.

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7 Denture care should include the following EXCEPT
A Clean with soap and water.
B Soak with water or chemical cleansing agents.
C Physical cleaning of dentures at least once daily.
D Wrap with a clean tissue paper and label correctly.

8 The Oral Assessment Guide includes the following EXCEPT

A Voice
B Tonsils
C Mucous membrane
D Teeth or denture bearing area

ANSWERS

Q1 refer to 5.2.1, guideline 1

Q2 refer to 5.3, guideline 1
Q3 refer to 5.2 & 5.3
Q4 refer to 5.3, guideline 3
Q5 refer to 5.3, guideline 6
Q6 refer to 2.3
Q7 refer to 5.5
Q8 refer to Annex 1

33