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Updated: May 16, 2026
08:47
Oral Health Assessment by Lay Personnel for Older Adults
Published on: February 2, 2020
Improving oral care practice in long-term care
Daryl Dyck1, Mary Bertone, Kim Knutson
1Deer Lodge Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba.
The Canadian Nurse
|December 1, 2012
Summary
Tooth brushing is the gold standard for effective oral care in dependent adults, significantly improving oral health. Sponge swabs are ineffective for plaque removal, leading to better patient outcomes with proper protocols.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Dental Hygiene
- Healthcare Policy
Background:
- Dependent adult patients at Deer Lodge Centre lacked a formal oral care policy.
- Current practices relied on sponge swabs and mouth rinse, with questionable efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the effectiveness of sponge swabs for oral hygiene.
- To establish optimal oral care protocols for dependent individuals, including those with dysphagia.
Main Methods:
- A literature review informed the development of a new oral care protocol.
- The protocol emphasized tooth brushing and antibacterial gel, implemented in one care unit.
Main Results:
- Implemented protocol led to significant improvements in patient oral health.
- Observed reductions in tartar, gingivitis, ulcerations, debris, and halitosis.
- Tooth brushing replaced ineffective sponge swabs, improving plaque removal.
Conclusions:
- Tooth brushing is the gold standard for dependent adult oral care.
- Sponge swabs are ineffective for plaque removal and should be discontinued.
- New protocols improved patient oral health and are foundational for facility policies.
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