Your toothbrush could save your lungs!
Brush twice daily. Cut Pneumonia risk by 60!
Ask a nurse for a toothbrushing kit.
Your mouth is the gateway to your body. Your oral health has a huge impact on your general health. This is why it is extra important when you are in hospital to keep your mouth clean and moist to keep it healthy.
Teeth and dentures are not self-cleaning; plaque must be physically disturbed with a toothbrush as harmful plaque bacteria matures after just 24 hours!
This is why if we brush twice a day. This breaks the bacteria’s life cycle and stops the harmful bacteria developing.
Oral bacteria release a lot of inflammation. This inflammation is then carried around your body by 3 main ways:
- Inhaled into your lungs- causing Pneumonia and other chest infections
- Bloodstream- bacteria is absorbed by your gums and skin inside your mouth
- Swallowed- causing inflammation in your important gut microbiome.
Best way to clean dentures:
Soap and water with a toothbrush is the best way to effectively clean dentures. We do not like to use caustic chemical denture cleaning tables as the are a health and safety risk whilst in hospital. The brush does the cleaning!
How to clean your teeth:
Remember to also brush your tongue with a small toothbrush to remove any food and debris.
Dry mouth management:
A dry mouth can lead to:
- Difficulty eating and drinking
- Increased risk of pneumonia
- Pain and discomfort
- Difficulty speaking
- Difficulty swallowing medication
- Oral thrush developing quickly
- Harmful bacteria thrive
If you have a dry mouth, ask your nurse for a dry mouth kit.
Use a non-foaming toothpaste and a mouth moisturising gel or spray. Massage into the mouth for at least 30 seconds. These gels protect the skin inside the mouth and stop food and tablets sticking to your tongue and cheeks.
Confidentiality
‘The Trust’s vision is to keep your information safe in our hands.’ We promise to use your information fairly and legally, and in-line with local and national policies. You have a right to understand how your information is used and you can request a copy of the information we hold about you at any time.
For further information on confidentiality contact the Information Governance Team:
Information.Governance@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 603961
Feedback
We appreciate and encourage feedback, which helps us to improve our services. If you have any comments, compliments or concerns to make about your care, please contact the Patient, Advice & Liaison Service:
pals@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 814008 or 01946 523818
If you would like to raise a complaint regarding your care, please contact the Complaints Department:
complaints@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 936302