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(piano music)

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[Narrator] Having a clean mouth

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makes a person feel more comfortable,

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can help to improve appetite,

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and prevent mouth sores.

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Mouth care should be performed
at least twice a day,

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or more frequently if the
person's mouth is dry,

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if they're no longer able to eat or drink,

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or if they're breathing through the mouth.

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Wash your hands well before and after

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helping someone clean their mouth.

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You may also choose to wear
gloves during this procedure.

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The supplies you'll need are a towel,

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a small basin or bowl,

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a cup of water,

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an ultra-soft bristle toothbrush,

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and non-foaming toothpaste

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or a small amount of
mouth cleaning solution.

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Avoid using lemon glycerin swabs

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or alcohol-based mouth washes

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because they're drying to the mouth.

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Non-alcohol-based toothpaste
and mouthwashes are available.

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You can make a mouthwash
solution that's not drying

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and can be safely left in the mouth.

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Mix a half a teaspoon of salt

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with one teaspoon of baking
soda in four cups of water.

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If desired, you can add a
drop of food-safe flavoring,

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such as mint, to the solution for taste,

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but the solution is not to be swallowed.

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You can also use club soda
as a cleaning solution.

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Help to position the person

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to reduce the risk of choking on any water

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that may trickle down
the back of the throat.

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This can be done by
raising the head of the bed

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or positioning the person on their side.

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[Nurse] Get this out of the way.

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[Narrator] Place a towel
under the person's chin.

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If the person's able,

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offer a sip of water to
help moisten the mouth.

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Inspect the person's mouth, the tongue,

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and the sides and back of the mouth

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for signs of redness, sores, or infection.

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Okay, good, and lift your tongue up.

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[Narrator] Thrush is a yeast infection

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that's common when a person's
immune system is weakened.

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It commonly appears as white patches

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that are difficult to
remove with mouth care.

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If you notice any changes or problems,

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be sure to inform your
healthcare provider.

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These infections are often easily treated.

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Apply a pea-size amount
of non-foaming toothpaste.

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Okay, open up.

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[Narrator] And brush gently
from the gumline up the teeth.

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Also brush the inside of the mouth,

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including the cheeks, gums, and tongue.

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Have the person rinse and
spit into the bowl or basin

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if they're able.

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Gently wipe the person's mouth.

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If their lips are dry,

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consider using a water-soluble lubricant,

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such as OralBalance or
Muco to moisten the lips.

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Put a little bit of this.

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[Narrator] Avoid oil-based products,

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such as Vaseline and
chapstick, as they're drying.

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If required, help to reposition the person

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into a comfortable position.

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And finally, wash your hands.

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If normal brushing isn't possible

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or the person is unconscious,

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use gauze or a cloth moistened in water

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to gently clean the areas of the mouth

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that are visible or easily reached.

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Sometimes the person will
bite or have a sucking reflex.

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This is natural when a
person is unconscious

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and doesn't mean the person is thirsty.

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Don't try to force water
into a person's mouth

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if they're not alert

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because the person is unable
to swallow and may choke.

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When caring for dentures,
begin by washing your hands.

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Remove the dentures and
clean them with a toothbrush.

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Don't use very hot water or bleach

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because this can be damaging.

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Commercially available
denture soaking products

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are good to use.

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If the person's gums are
dry under the denture,

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a product called OralBalance
may help to increase comfort.

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Dentures that are loose or poor-fitting

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can rub on the gums and cause mouth sores.

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If it's not possible to
have them fitted properly,

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consider leaving the
dentures out of the mouth

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except for eating and/or visiting.

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And when you're finished, don't
forget to wash your hands.

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(piano music)