Archives

Understanding Aspiration Pneumonia and Dysphagia

January 31, 2025 by Ashley Zhinin.
This resource explains the connection between oral health, dysphagia, and aspiration pneumonia in a simple, accessible way, empowering patients and families to make informed choices about their care. It includes practical tips, special considerations, and actionable strategies to support therapists in educating and guiding their clients.
This content is only available to members.

Radiation Therapy and Oral Care: Conventional and Unconventional Approaches

January 31, 2025 by Ashley Zhinin.
This resource provides therapists with practical and creative strategies to help patients manage oral side effects during radiation therapy for head and neck cancer. From evidence-based recommendations to unconventional approaches, it equips patients with tools to navigate dry mouth, mucositis, and other oral health challenges with greater comfort and confidence.
This content is only available to members.

Nurturing Oral Care for Children with Dysphagia

October 31, 2024 by Ashley Zhinin.
Oral care is vital in maintaining oral health as well as improving pulmonary outcomes specifically in children who have pharyngeal dysphagia. This resource provides information regarding oral care in children with swallowing deficits.
This content is only available to members.

Badge Reference Cards for Medical SLPs

May 31, 2024 by Ashley Zhinin.
Included are ten badge reference cards related to arterial blood gas/vital signs, common ventilator modes, parts of tracheostomy, model of anatomy for speech, swallowing, and voice education, PMV considerations and cleaning, cranial nerve exam for speech and swallowing, Glasgow Coma Scale/NIH Stroke Scale, orientation log, determining risk for aspiration pneumonia, and Beck’s oral assessment to […]
This content is only available to members.

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.
This content is only available to members.

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.
This content is only available to members.

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.
This content is only available to members.

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.
This content is only available to members.

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.
This content is only available to members.