Archives

Oral Care Assessment, Guide, and Schedule

February 29, 2024 by Ashley Zhinin.
Use the Beck Oral Assessment Scale to determine how frequently oral care should be completed, and use the included guides and schedules as visual reminders for completing consistent and thorough oral care. Beck, S. (1979). Impact of a systematic oral care protocol on stomatitis after chemotherapy. Cancer Nursing, 2, 185–199.
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Saliva Anatomy and Function

March 1, 2023 by Ashley Zhinin.
Saliva is necessary for supporting swallowing, digestion, and teeth protection. Three salivary glands produce one to two liters of the body’s daily saliva. Video on how to use this resource: Nascimento, D., Carmona, J., Mestre, T., Ferreira, J. J., & Guimarães, I. (2021). Drooling rating scales in Parkinson’s disease: A systematic review. Parkinsonism & Related […]
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Pneumonia: Factors Beyond Aspiration (2005)

January 13, 2022 by Megan Berg.
When a person has pneumonia, the body responds by causing infection and inflammation of the alveoli within the lungs. This inflammation of the lung cells compromises the oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange process. The diagnosis of hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) or nosocomial pneumonia is reserved for people developing bacterial pneumonia within a hospital or care facility. […]
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Implementing the Free Water Protocol Does Not Result in Aspiration Pneumonia Dysphagia: A Systematic Review (2016)

January 13, 2022 by Megan Berg.
Eight studies were included in this review, from a large search of 2792 total articles. The eight studies selected were randomized control trials. From these eight studies, there were 245 patients identified with oropharyngeal dysphagia after a clinical bedside evaluation or Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES). All of the participants were participating with inpatient […]
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Oral Care and Rates of Pneumonia and Cost of Oral Hygiene (2013)

January 11, 2022 by Megan Berg.
The authors of this original research study sought to determine whether use of the Bedside Oral Exam (BOE) and the Barrow Oral Care Protocol (BOCP) in intensive care units (ICU) would be beneficial to the oral health of ICU patients. They also evaluated staff response to these assessments, the cost effectiveness of materials needed, and […]
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Oral Care Staff Cue Cards

January 1, 2022 by Megan Berg.
These four cue cards are designed to remind staff to follow aspiration precautions. Card #1: Complete oral care before serving a meal. #2: Complete oral care after meals. #3: Put dentures in before a meal. #4: Assist with oral care before bed.
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Xerostomia / Dry Mouth

December 26, 2021 by Megan Berg.
This handout describes the various causes of xerostomia and provides a list of treatment options, including using natural enzymes, adjusting medications, oral rinses and moisturizing products, use of humidifiers, and avoiding dehydrating foods/liquids.
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Oral Care and Aspiration Pneumonia

December 25, 2021 by Megan Berg.
Handout to provide to staff, patients, and family to help communicate the importance of oral care to prevent aspiration pneumonia.
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Oral Care and Overall Health

December 25, 2021 by Megan Berg.
Oral care continues to be one of the most powerful preventative cares in rehabilitation and long-term care settings. This handout describes the latest research showing the effect that oral care can have on overall health, including brain function, heart longevity, and diabetes management.
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How to Complete Oral Care

December 25, 2021 by Megan Berg.
This handout is designed for staff, patients, family, and caregivers to improve the quality of oral care and reducing the risks associated with oral bacteria in the body.
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