Editing Fundamentals of Nursing (section)

=== Oral care ===

Brush teeth twice daily and floss daily. For a patient who is unconscious or has an impaired gag reflex, place the patient in a side lying position with the head turned to the side, use minimal fluid, keep suction immediately available, and never place fingers in the mouth without a bite block. Dentures are removed, cleaned over a basin lined with a washcloth or filled with water to cushion a drop, and stored in a labeled container with water or denture solution. Avoid lemon glycerin swabs and alcohol based mouthwash, which dry and irritate the mucosa.