Older people who need help with daily living activities will require support with oral hygiene that ranges from minimal assistance to total assistance. When assisting with an older persons oral hygiene check for, report and follow up on signs of the following oral health conditions:
- soreness and cracks at corners of the mouth
- red swollen mouth
- sore, swollen or inflamed or coated areas on the tongue
- bad breath
- dry oral tissues
- thick, stringy or rope like saliva
- swollen red gums that bleed easily while brushing
- oral pain or tooth sensitivity
- loose or broken teeth or exposed tooth roots
- changed behaviour and refusing to open mouth
- difficulty while eating and/or speaking
- food left in mouth and poor oral cleanliness
- broken or chipped teeth on the denture
- broken or chipped acrylic areas on the denture
- bent or broken mental wires or clips on partial denture
- check for a name on the denture
