Hair care and Oral care

O Good hair care is important as a morale booster and for maintaining a clean and attractive
appearance.

O It cleans hair of dirt particles and dead cells and prevents matting.

O Brushing the hair stimulates circulation of the scalp and brings nutrients to the roots.

PURPOSE:

o Improves client’s appearance and self-esteem.

o Increases client’s sense of wellbeing

o Stimulates circulation to hair and scalp and promote hair growth

o Aids in relaxing client

o Provides opportunity for therapeutic communication

When Hair Care should be done:

o The hair should be combed or brushed each morning and during the day as needed.

o Younger clients may have their hair washed daily because their hair is oilier.

o Some clients can comb or brush their own hair using assistive devices.

Observations to Make

• When giving hair care to the client observe the scalp for sores or redness.

• Look for swollen areas or places the client tells you are painful.

• A dry scalp can result in dandruff and flaking.

EQUIPMENT:

o NOTE: will VARY WITH HAIRSTYLE DESIRED:

o COMB (size of teeth varies with coarseness of hair)

o SETTING GEL AND ROLLERS WITH ROLLING PAPERS (optional)

o HAIR DRYER with DOME OR HEAT CAP (optional)

o BRUSH

o HAIR NET (optional)

o RUBBER BANDS, HAIR PINS, CLAMPS (optional)

o PAIR OF CLEAN GLOVES

DOCUMENTATION:

• The following should be noted on the client’s chart:

• Response to hair care

• Condition of the hair and scalp

PROCEDURE

Steps Rationale
1. Explain procedure to client. Increases cooperation and assistance
2. Allow 15 to 30 minutes of uninterrupted time Avoids rushing and possible injury to client
for hair care.
3. Check and clean the comb and brush before Prevents passing head lice or infection to client
performing (particularly if they are not the
client's personal property).
4. Perform hand hygiene and organize Reduces microorganism transfer; promotes
equipment. efficiency
5. Lower side rail. Depending on desired position (see below),
allows easier access to client or facilitates
6. Assist client into position (depends on the Allows head to move freely and provides access
individual needs of the client): to hair and towel under head
. Supine, with head of bed elevated and pillows
under back Sitting on a bedside chair, if able, with
towel on shoulders
B. Side-lying position, with towel under head
Prone position
7. Don gloves (if broken skin is present) and comb Prevents body fluid contact; assesses degree of
hair through with fingers tangling
8. Massage scalp and observe status. Depress Increases circulation; checks capillary refill
scalp and note for return of color in that area.
9. Shampoo and dry hair, as needed and allowed Improves appearance of hair; promotes scalp
circulation
10. Brush hair to remove as many tangles as
possible:
- Hold hair with one hand and brush with the Decreases discomfort of hair care
other
- If hair is coarse and kinky, processed for curls, or Facilitates removal of tangles
naturally curly, use a comb.
 11. Divide hair into sections with comb and Provides for easier handling
fingers.
12. Comb one section through at a time:
- Gently and slowly comb tangles loose from scalp Removes tangles
- Hold hair section stable (near the scalp) with Prevents pulling during combing and
one hand. Comb through hair with other hand (as decreases pain to client
when brushing).
13. Keep hair loose at the scalp. Counteracts pulling from comb
14. Style hair as client wishes. Enhances self-esteem
15. Replace equipment and reposition client. Resets environment; allows for client
comfort
16. Remove gloves and perform hand hygiene. Reduces transfer of microorganisms

Hair is a beautiful form of self-expression”. Carolyn Aronson

Oral Care

• Oral care or mouth care is an essential part of a patient’s personal care and includes toothbrushing,
removing oral secretions, dry mouth and denture care.

• Many patients in hospital will need support from a health care professional to maintain clean and
comfortable mouth.

• If the patient does not receive regular mouth care, it will have a consequence on their overall health.

According to researches:

• Most oral diseases and conditions share modifiable risk factors with the leading noncommunicable
diseases (cardiovascular diseases, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes).

• These risk factors include tobacco use, alcohol consumption and unhealthy diets high in free sugars, all
of which are increasing at the global level.

• There is a proven relationship between oral and general health.

• It is reported, for example, that diabetes mellitus is linked with the development and progression of
periodontitis.

• Moreover, there is a causal link between high consumption of sugars and diabetes, obesity and dental
caries.

Why is Oral Care needed?

• The mouth can become dry, sore and uncomfortable and this can impact on eating, speaking,
confidence and overall wellbeing.

• Take time, Be kind and be patient, smile and maintain eye contact to your patient.

ASSESSING THE MOUTH

• Before starting, ask if there’s any mouth pain or discomfort from their mouth and whether they need
help with mouth care.

• Support can include bringing mouth care products with a bowl to a person who is in bed or carrying
out all mouth care

• It is important to assess the mouth daily with a light source

• Start with the lips. Are they dry, cracked or bleeding?

• Check the tongue, cheeks and palate

• Can you see any food debris or dried secretions

• Does any part of the mouth look red or swollen or there is bleeding?

• Are there any broken or very loose teeth that is causing pain?

ASSISTING WITH MOUTH CARE

• Mouth care should be carried out gently and not cause the person distress

• If it is possible have the person sitting up to reduce the risk of aspiration

• Start with lip care. Apply a lip balm or water-based gel to help keep the lips moist

• A brush with soft bristles or a baby toothbrush should be used for people with very sore mouths

• Mild flavored non-foaming toothpastes are often better tolerated than a strong minty flavor

• It is important to keep the mouth clean to reduce the risk of infections

• Conditions that may happen if mouth care is not given: Oral thrush, cavities

• Regular mouth care is very important

PURPOSE:

Decreases microorganisms in mouth and teeth

• Reduces the risk of cavities and mouth disease

• Decreases build up of food residue on client’s teeth

• Improves appetite and taste of food

• Promotes comfort

• Stimulates circulation to oral tissues, tongue, and gums

• Improves appearance and self-esteem

EQUIPMENTS:

• Soft toothbrush

• Toothpaste

• Toothettes or swabs

• Emesis basin

• Nonsterile gloves
• Towel or Linen saver and washcloth

• Cup of water

• Mouthwash (alcohol-free)

• Dental floss (optional)

• Suction and catheter (If client is unconscious)

How to properly brush teeth

• Aim the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle towards the gum line.

• Use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste.

• Use a gentle circular motion.

• Repeat on the inside surfaces.

• Use a light back and forth motion on the chewing surfaces.

• Spit out the toothpaste after brushing.

Steps Rationale
1. Perform hand hygiene and organize Reduces microorganism transfer; promotes
equipment. efficiency
2. Explain procedure to client. Reduces anxiety; promotes compliance
3. Lower side rail and position client: Decreases risk of aspiration; promotes drainage
A. supine at an angle greater than 45 degrees (if of mouthwash from mouth
not contraindicated),
B. side-lying position, or prone with head turned
to side.
4. Don gloves. Prevents exposure to body fluids
5. Drape towel under client's neck and assist Prevents secretions from wetting or soiling
client to rinse mouth with water. bedclothes; facilitates removal of secretions
If Client Can Perform Self-Care
6. Assist the client in brushing teeth:
- Provide a glass of water, toothbrush, and Gives client necessary equipment
toothpaste.
- Moisten the toothbrush with water and apply Promotes self-care
toothpaste to brush. - Allow client to brush teeth
and instruct on proper technique.
7. Assist the client in cleansing the oral cavity:
- Provide mouthwash-soaked Toothette or apply Decreases microorganism growth in mouth
as appropriate.
- Encourage client to swab inner cheeks, lips,
tongue, and gums, or perform these actions for
client, if needed. Freshens mouth
- Instruct client to rinse with mouthwash and
expectorate.
- Instruct client to rinse and expectorate any Removes residue
excess water.
If Client Cannot Perform Own Care:
8. Perform oral care on the client:
- Prepare toothbrush as above. Permits cleaning back and sides of teeth
- Apply brush to back teeth and brush inside, top,
and outside of teeth. Brush from back to front,
using an up-and down motion. Repeat these
steps, brushing teeth on opposite side of mouth. Exposes front teeth for brushing
- Allow client to expectorate or suction excess
secretions.
- Instruct client to clench teeth together or grasp
the mandible and brush outside of front lower Removes toothpaste and oral secretions
teeth to upper teeth; brush the outside of the
front and side teeth.
- Open mouth and brush top and insides of teeth.
- Rinse toothbrush and brush tongue.
- Rinse toothbrush and brush teeth again.
- If use of dental floss is desired, provide care
currently.
9. Cleanse the oral cavity: Decreases microorganisms living in the mouth
- Swab inner cheeks, lips, tongue, and gums.
- Irrigate mouth with mouthwash and suction
excess fluid.
- Rinse with water and suction excess.
If Client Is Unconscious
10. Provide oral care:
- Brush teeth with toothbrush and toothpaste as Cleans teeth
described above in step 8 in providing care for
clients who can't provide their own care.
- Irrigate mouth with small amounts of water, Removes water and avoids pooling
suctioning constantly.
11. Cleanse the oral cavity:
- Swab mouth with Toothette moistened with Decreases microorganism growth in mouth
mouthwash. Begin with inside of cheeks and lips;
proceed to swab tongue and gums.
- Rinse and suction excess toothpaste, Removes any residue
mouthwash, water, and secretions.
- Wipe lips with wet washcloth Moisturizes lips Promotes clean environment
- Apply petroleum jelly or mineral oil to lips. Reduces transfer of microorganisms
- Discard soiled materials; restore supplies in
proper place.
- Remove gloves and perform hand hygiene. -
Position client comfortably with call button Promotes safety, comfort, and communication
 within reach.

Every day is one more accomplishment. KEEP GOING.