Nurse administered oral hygiene: is there a scientific basis?

Abstract

The concept of nurse administered oral hygiene is developed in a summary of selected nursing, medical and dental literature. The purpose of the review is to identify implications for nursing practice and research. The significance of oral hygiene to nursing is presented from physiologic, pathophysiologic, psychosocial, epidemiologic and economic perspectives. Tools, chemicals and frequency for nurse administered oral hygiene are discussed in relation to dental theory and relevant nursing research is critically reviewed. The therapeutic value of common commercial products, such as the foamstick and the lemon and glycerol swab, is not established in the literature. Methodological issues, implications for practice and suggestions for future research are presented.

A controlled trial to compare the ability of foam swabs and toothbrushes to remove dental plaque

“…Mouthcare is a concept familiar to nurses and is a term used to embrace the care given in a variety of situations that require decisions to be made about what tools and actions are likely to achieve the best outcome for patients or clients with the minimum of risk (Trenter Roth & Creason 1986, Griffiths & Boyle 1993, Kite & Pearson 1995, Pearson & Chin 1997). One tool commonly employed in mouthcare is the foam swab.…”

“…Foam swabs have been used in the United Kingdom (UK) since the early 1970s, and, despite repeated and long‐standing efforts to improve the practice of mouthcare given by nurses (e.g. DeWalt & Haines 1969, Wiley 1969, DeWalt 1975, Howarth 1975, 1977, Harris 1980, Lewis 1984, Trenter Roth & Creason 1986, Hunt 1987, Miller & Rubinstein 1987, Pritchard & Mallet 1992, Clarke 1993), they are frequently used in practice today. This may be in part due to a lack of robust information about what it is that foam swabs can bring to quality nursing practice, and to the lack of emphasis in education and practice on the assessment of mouthcare needs, and delivery of effective care (Adams 1996).…”

Oral health care needs of dependent older people: responsibilities of nurses and care staff

“…The oral cavity has physiological as well as psychosocial significance. It is necessary for proper chewing, swallowing and digestion of food, and is important for both verbal and nonverbal communication ( Allbright 1984, Ofstehage & Magilvy 1986, Trenter Roth & Creason 1986). According to Kay and Locker (1997, p. 8) the accepted definition of oral health is: “a standard of health of the oral and related tissues which enables an individual to speak and socialize without active disease, discomfort or embarrassment and which contributes to general well‐being”.…”

“…According to Kay and Locker (1997, p. 8) the accepted definition of oral health is: “a standard of health of the oral and related tissues which enables an individual to speak and socialize without active disease, discomfort or embarrassment and which contributes to general well‐being”. A combination of factors contribute to the maintenance of oral health including adequate nutritional and fluid intake, the ability to masticate food properly, adequate saliva production; and effective oral hygiene ( Trenter Roth & Creason 1986). Disorders of the teeth and oral cavity, such as dental caries, gingivitis and periodontal disease, are seldom fatal ( Kay & Locker 1997).…”

“…Participants presented a diverse list of available tools for mouth care which suggests a lack of clarity about choice of oral care products. Trenter Roth and Creason (1986), in their earlier review paper of nurse administered oral hygiene, noted that the literature did not yield an evidence base for this activity; it appears that little progress has been made in the intervening decade.…”