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MOUTHCARE SPEECH LANGUAGE THERAPY DEPARTMENT PATIENT INFORMATION LEAFLET

MOUTHCARE SPEECH LANGUAGE THERAPY DEPARTMENT PATIENT INFORMATION LEAFLET Why Mouth Care Matters Dry Mouth Advice Good mouth care contributes to good oral health Oral health is an important part of general health and wellbeing It allows people to eat speak and socialise without discomfort or embarrassment Signs of a dry mouth Causes of dry mouth Some Medications Autoimmune Disorders E G Sjogrens Diabetes Radiotherapy or Chemotherapy Fluid Restrictions Mouth Breathing Snoring Dehydration Oxygen High Sugar or Salt Diet Effects Of Poor Mouth Care Poor mouth care could lead to Bacteria in the mouth which can lead to a chest infection Reduced or unpleasant feeling in the mouth Your tongue developing a coating which can lead to lack of tongue movement and taste Cracked Lips Bad Breath Bleeding Gums Dry Tongue Taste Changes Oral Thrush Sensitive Teeth Loss of self confidence Management Of Dry Mouth Food being stored in the mouth which leads to bacteria and unpleasant smell and taste Artificial Saliva Substitutes BioXtra Dry Mouth Gel Mouthspray Glandosane Synthetic Saliva Sugar free gum Sucking sugar free citrus flavoured sweets lollipops If your Speech and Language Therapist feels it is safe to do so Protect your lips with water based lubricants lip balm If cause is due to medications then a medical consultation is required Avoid starchy salty spicy foods tobacco and alcohol Eat soft creamy foods or cool foods with high water liquid content melon grapes Studies have shown that a person with healthy teeth and gums are at reduced risk of disease aspiration pneumonia and certain types of cancer Moisten foods with gravy sauces butter salad dressings conserves mayonnaise or yoghurt Chew pineapple as it has enzymes that help clean the mouth

Managing Saliva Problems Drooling Sialorrhea Thin watery saliva can cause drooling Saliva can pool within the mouth resulting in drooling In most cases saliva problems are the result of increasing weakness of muscles in the mouth tongue and throat This can make it difficult to manage saliva both in the mouth and during swallowing Drooling is worse if the person has a poor lip seal or swallowing difficulties dysphagia Strategies and equipment that may help Advice on swallowing diet posture positioning and oral care Protect surrounding skin with a barrier cream to prevent soreness Clothing may be adapted to include a discreet waterproof insert to protect clothes and prevent skin irritation Encourage a well supported head position A slightly reclined chair and a collar or chin support may be used A physiotherapist or occupational therapist should be able to suggest a suitable option At night the person should lie on their side supported by pillows so saliva doesn t collect in their throat This may not be an option if the person has postural or respiratory needs Strategies and equipment that may help Review of all current medicines especially any treatments for sialorrhea Improvement of oral hygiene Rehydration Increase the intake of fluid for example with jelly frozen mousses or ice lollies if safe to swallow Seek advice from the speech and language therapist Cold temperatures may stimulate the swallow Avoidance of mouth breathing if possible Drinking pineapple or papaya juice before with a meal These juices contain proteolytic enzymes bromelain pineapple most concentrated in the core and papain papaya which help break down protein in mucus The juices can also be applied gently on a sponge as part of a mouth care regimen Reducing intake of dairy products may be helpful Check with the dietitian as some people with limited diets due to dysphagia may rely on dairy products to maintain their weight Medication Please seek advice from your GP Consultant re mediation management They may consider a trial of antimuscarinic medicine for sialorrhea Sucking on sugarless lozenges can stimulate saliva flow and reduce the viscosity of saliva providing it is safe to do this Avoid lozenges containing menthol as these can have a drying effect Thick tenacious saliva mucus and phlegm Thick mucus can build up in the mouth and at the back of the throat due to dehydration mouth breathing or open mouth posture which can lead to evaporation of saliva This may produce stringy mucus and cause airways to become partially blocked which can be very distressing Medication Saline nebulisers can help to loosen chest secretions however please speak with your GP Consultant regarding use and prescription of this Other medication treatments may be considered by your practitioner Inhaling water vapour or humidification can decrease the viscosity of mucus and help to loosen secretions

5 Tips For Brushing Your Teeth 1 Brush at 45 degree angle with the bristles touching where your tongue and gum meet use gentle up and down circular motion 2 Clean every surface of each tooth 3 Don t rush your brush Take your time 4 Change your usual brushing pattern to ensure you don t miss any spots 5 Use a soft brush with round bristles 3 Step Guide To Clean Dentures 1 SOAK Put a denture cleansing tablet into warm water for the specified time Use enough water to completely cover the denture Soaking helps remove debris brushing can t reach Tips To Help You Enjoy Meals If Your Sense Of Taste Has Changed Use an alcohol free mouthwash regularly Drink plenty of liquids Sharp tasting fruit drinks juices may help to take away unpleasant tastes Using strong flavoured sauces can help or hinder your taste sensation curry sauce chilli sauce or sweet and sour sauce Enhance the flavour of foods by using more seasonings and herbs e g oregano basil thyme tarragon garlic Worcester sauce 2 BRUSH Use a soft bristled brush and the solution left on the dentures to gently brush off any remaining debris Regular toothpaste maybe too abrasive for the dentures so try to use a specialist paste or just use the remaining cleaning fluid 3 RINSE Once soaked and brushed thoroughly rinse your dentures under running water If your dentures are ill fitting use an adhesive such as Fixodent or Polygrip to aid a secure and comfortable hold This will enable you to eat more naturally and confidently

Beacon Hospital Sandyford Dublin 18 D18 AK68 Tel 01 293 6600 www beaconhospital ie version 1 10 2022