A Guide to · Oral health effects overall health and it is important to maintain a clean mouth and teeth (no matter how many or few teeth you have!) Please discuss your oral hygiene

A Guide to

Oral Hygiene Products

Speech-Language Therapy Services Tauranga Hospital

Ph 07 579 8785

Oral Hygiene Products

It is extremely important to maintain good oral hygiene, particularly if brushing teeth is difficult, you are at risk of aspiration (food/drink going down ‘the wrong way’ into your airway), or you have xerostomia (dry mouth). Oral health effects overall health and it is important to maintain a clean mouth and teeth (no matter how many or few teeth you have!)

Please discuss your oral hygiene routine, and which products are most suitable for you, with your speech-language therapist.

Ordering information: Some of these products are available from pharmacies. Others need to be purchased from medical suppliers. The following information will assist you with ordering from these suppliers. Please note prices listed are approximate, based on 2011 prices, and will vary between different suppliers and pharmacies.

Capes Medical Supplies A family-owned and operated local business based at Mt Maunganui. They mostly sell to clinics and hospitals, but are also happy to sell to individuals. There is no minimum order. How to order:

Visit their premises at 18 Tukorako Drive, Mt Maunganui.

Place an order by phone: (07) 575 9777 (postage will be charged).

Place an order by email: [email protected] (postage will be charged).

USL Medical (Universal Specialties Ltd) A New Zealand owned, Auckland-based company which generally sells to hospitals and clinics. They will also take orders from individuals, although there is a minimum order of $75. This may be made up of a range of different products, or you could order in bulk so you have ongoing supplies. There will also be a charge for postage. How to order:

Place an order by phone: (09) 829 0960.

Place an order through the website: www.uslmedical.co.nz.

Ask your local pharmacy to place an order for you for products from USL Medical – the price will be approximately the same as if you order directly from the company and the $75 minimum order will still apply. The company are very happy for you to contact them if you have problems with this system.

Websites: ‘Toothshop’ and ‘Great Smile’

www.toothshop.co.nz

www.greatsmile.co.nz

Some of the products can be ordered online through these websites. There will be a charge for postage. How to order:

Visit the website.

Search for the product you wish to buy.

Place an order and pay online by credit card.

The products will be delivered to your home.

Mouthwashes Use a mouthwash in addition to brushing teeth twice daily (AM /PM) to maintain a healthy mouth free of

harmful bacteria. Use mouthwash if: you have a dry mouth; you are prone to developing mouth ulcers, sores, inflammation or

oral thrush; or you have difficulties with swallowing. If you are at risk of aspiration (food/fluid going down the wrong way), use a foam mouth swab to apply the

mouthwash to your tongue and inside of your mouth, rather than gargling.

Product Benefits Precautions Where can I get it? Approximate

cost

Sage Perox-A-Mint

Solution

Refreshes and cleans (debrides) sore mouths without drying.

Contains 1.5% hydrogen peroxide, which has

antimicrobial and debriding (cleaning) properties.

Use with a sodium bicarbonate treated mouth swab if unable to gargle.

Useful for thinning thickened, sticky saliva.

Safe for use on tender oral tissues.

Alcohol free.

Not recommended to use for more than 7 days unless instructed to do so by a health professional.

Avoid swallowing.

May give a mild “fizzing” sensation due to its “bubbling” cleaning action.

USL Medical. 44ml: $6.30 (USL order code: 90011) ($75 minimum order applies).


cost

Colgate Peroxyl Oral Cleanser

Antibacterial mouthwash Contains 1.5% hydrogen

peroxide, which has antimicrobial and debriding (cleaning) properties.

Useful for thinning thickened, sticky saliva.

Facilitates healing of minor mouth and gum irritations.

Use with a sodium bicarbonate treated mouth swab if unable to gargle.

Contains alcohol (6%) so may have a drying effect on the mouth.

Not recommended to use for more than 7 days unless instructed to do so by a health professional.

Avoid swallowing.

May give a mild “fizzing” sensation due to its “bubbling” cleaning action.

Toothshop website (www.toothshop.co.nz)

Approx. $16 (236ml)

Colgate Savacol Mouthwash

(Freshmint variety recommended)

Antibacterial mouth and throat rinse.

Contains chlorhexidine, which can help swollen gums, mouth sores and oral thrush on advice of dentist or physician.

Freshmint variety is recommended, as it has a slightly less powerful concentration of chlorhexidine (0.12% as opposed to 0.2%).

Reduces gum inflammation.

Inhibits dental plaque formation when used for short periods.

Not recommended for prolonged use without consultation with a dentist.

Only effective if mouth is clean (brush teeth first).

Contains alcohol (12-14%) so may have drying effect.

May stain tooth surfaces if used for prolonged period.

Stocked by many pharmacies and supermarkets.

Capes Medical Supplies.


$9 - $14 (250ml and 300ml sizes available)

http://www.toothshop.co.nz/





cost

Colgate Savacol Mouthwash – alcohol free

Antibacterial mouth and throat rinse.

Contains chlorhexidine, used for swollen gums and mouth sores on advice of dentist or physician.

May be less drying than Freshmint or Original Savacol varieties, as it does not contain alcohol.

Contains higher concentration of chlorhexidine than Freshmint variety (0.2%).

Not recommended for prolonged use without consultation with a dentist.

Only effective if mouth is clean (brush teeth first).

May stain tooth surfaces if used for prolonged period.


Approx. $10 (300ml)

Biotene Dry Mouth

Mouthwash

Especially formulated to sooth and relieve dry mouth.

Contains natural antibacterial enzymes.

Alcohol free.

Helps neutralise mouth odours.

Stocked by many pharmacies.



240ml: $11 - $17 470ml: $16 - $24






cost

Xerostom Mouthwash

Especially formulated to sooth and relieve dry mouth.

Alcohol free.

Cleans and protects the mouth from bacterial plaque.

Great Smile website (www.greatsmile.co.nz)


$15 - $17

http://www.greatsmile.co.nz/

http://www.greatsmile.co.nz/

Mouth Moisturisers and Saliva Substitutes

A mouth moisturiser can be applied to the inside of your mouth after cleaning your teeth and mouth, to keep your mouth moist and healthy; apply to lips, inside of cheeks, tongue and around gums and teeth.

Mouth moisturisers and saliva substitutes are especially useful if you experience chronic dry mouth (xerostomia), and can aid speaking, chewing and swallowing for people with dry mouth.

Dry mouth has many causes including: some diseases, radiotherapy, some medications, smoking, advanced age.

Another option for moisturising your mouth that some people find helpful is to apply grape-seed oil or rice-bran oil to the inside of the mouth. You could either use a small spray bottle or apply with a mouth swab. Flavouring such as an essence of your choice can be added to make this more pleasant. Use with caution if you are prone to choking or aspirating on secretions, or have swallowing difficulties. This should be discussed with your SLT before trying.

Do not use Vaseline, wool fat or greasy crèmes / gels in the mouth; use only WATER SOLUBLE, MUCOADHESIVE GEL approved for use in mouth and on lips. Vaseline, Petrolatum type products can inflame already dry and cracked lips and should not be used around oxygen.

Product Benefits Precautions Where can I get it?

Approximate cost

Sage Toothette Mouth Moisturizer

Soothes and moisturises dry or sore lips and mouths.

Water- based mucoadhesive formula with Vitamin E and coconut oil coats the mouth and tongue and helps to reduce mouth pain from oral sores.

May be used on lips and inside the mouth.

Pleasant spearmint flavour can help to promote saliva and freshen the mouth

This is a lip and oral moisturiser rather than a saliva substitute.

Relieves symptoms of dry mouth, but does not increase saliva production. It is recommended you see your doctor if the cause of your dry mouth has not been investigated.

USL Medical. $6.20 (USL order code: 90007) ($75 minimum order applies).

Oralube saliva substitute

A saliva substitute designed to help relieve the difficulties and damage associated with reduced saliva production.

Contains electrolytes modified to simulate natural saliva.

Pleasant lemon flavour.


May be prescribed by your doctor.

Available from some pharmacies without prescription.


$27 - $36


Approximate cost

Oral Balance Dry

Mouth Moisturising Gel

Especially formulated for relief of moderate-severe dry mouth.

Provides long-lasting relief (up to 8 hours).

Bio-active enzymes strengthen your saliva’s natural properties.

Helps neutralise odours.


Stocked by most pharmacies.



$17 - $22 (42g)

Xerostom Saliva Substitute Gel

Especially formulated for relief of dry mouth.

Soothes tissues while cleaning and protecting mouth from cavities and bacterial plaque.


Great Smile website (greatsmile.co.nz).


$15 - $17


Approximate cost

Hamilton Aquae Dry Mouth Gel or

Spray

A saliva substitute to relieve symptoms of dry mouth.

Free from sugar, gluten and alcohol.

Freshens the breath, and relieves unpleasant tastes.

Spray is ideal for day use; gel is good for night use.


Stocked by some pharmacies.


Gel (100g): $17 - $22 Spray (100ml): $17 - $24

Mouth Kote Oral Moisturiser

Developed for the relief of dry mouth caused by disease such as cancer or medical therapy.

Pleasant lemon-lime flavour.


Tauranga Hospital speech-language therapy department (talk to your speech-language therapist to order).

$50


Approximate cost

Listerine PocketPaks

Strips which dissolve in the mouth, freshening the mouth and helping to kill germs.

Strips may be torn into smaller pieces if a whole one is too strong, or stimulates too much saliva.

If you are Nil By Mouth, Do NOT use these without first speaking to your SLT, as they stimulate extra saliva production.

This is a very strong mint product which can leave a burning sensation in sensitive mouths and lips

Supermarkets. $10

Foam Mouth Swabs

Foam mouth swabs are useful for cleaning the inside of your mouth, teeth, gums and tongue if you can’t use a toothbrush or are at risk of aspiration when brushing.

Mouth swabs are excellent for cleaning the mouth in-between tooth brushings to gently lift oral debris and help freshen, moisten, and stimulate the oral mucosa to maintain mouth moistness.

Please note that mouth swabs are not a substitute for brushing your teeth, and you should still try to brush your teeth twice a day if possible.

“Treated” mouth swabs (with sodium bicarbonate or dentifrice) are used by dipping foam head into small amount of water or mouthwash to facilitate cleaning of mouth (see comments below).

Dip foam head into small amount of water or mouthwash and “tap” swab against side of glass to remove excess solution in order to minimise “foaming” (treated oral swabs) and excess fluid in the mouth.

If you are at risk of aspiration, you can apply mouthwash using “untreated” mouth swabs.

Please note, many pharmacies supply lemon and glycerine mouth swabs; these are NOT recommended as they can be very drying and irritating on the mouth.

With all foam mouth swabs, check integrity of foam head after use to make sure it is intact and dispose promptly; do not reuse oral swabs.

Images courtesy of Sage Products

Product Benefits Precautions Where can I get it? Approximate cost

Dentips sodium with dentifrice

(light blue – green colour)

These swabs are treated with a dentifrice, a mild tooth and mouth cleanser.

Mouth swabs are single use only.

These swabs can produce slight foaming in the mouth, so discuss use with your SLT if you think you may have trouble managing this.


$3.70 pkt 10 + GST.

Dentips untreated

mouth swabs (light blue – green

colour)

Untreated foam swabs can be used with mouthwash to freshen, cleanse and stimulate the oral mucosa, cheeks, tongue and lips.

Unlike treated swabs, these swabs don’t foam and contain no cleaning agent. This may be an advantage for some people who have difficulty managing the foam in the mouth.



35c each + GST.


Sage Toothette® Sodium

Bicarbonate mouth swabs

(green)

These swabs are treated with sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), a mild tooth and mouth cleanser, which helps balance the natural pH of the mouth and remove dental plaque.

Cleaning properties can be further enhanced when combined with a 1.5% hydrogen peroxide mouthwash.



USL Medical. $144 per 200 swabs (USL order code: 10125) ($75 minimum order applies).

Sage Toothette® Untreated mouth

swabs (green)

Untreated foam oral swab can be used with mouthwash to freshen, cleanse and stimulate the oral mucosa, cheeks, tongue and lips.

Unlike treated swabs, these swabs do not foam and contain no cleaning agent. This may be an advantage for some people who have difficulty managing the foam in the mouth.


USL Medical. $132 per 200 swabs (USL order code: 10124) ($75 minimum order applies).


Toothette® Short-term swab system with Perox-a-mint

solution

All inclusive oral care kit with toothbrush, mouth swabs, mouthwash and mouth moisturiser. Includes:

20 sodium bicarbonate treated mouth swabs,

1 ultra-soft toothbrush,

1 tube sodium bicarbonate mouthpaste (toothpaste),

1 bottle Perox-a-mint® mouthwash (1.5% Hydrogen Peroxide),

1 tube Toothette® Mouth Moisturiser.


USL Medical. $29.50 per pack (USL order code: 90003) ($75 minimum order applies).

Special Toothbrushes and Toothpastes


Xerostom Dry Mouth Toothpaste

Especially formulated for people with dry mouth.

Lubricates and replenishes moisture in the mouth.

Low-foaming.

Use a small amount of toothpaste and not too much water if you are at risk of aspiration (foam/saliva going down the wrong way).

Stocked by some pharmacies.


Great Smile website (www.greatsmile.co.nz)


$13 - $17


Surround Toothbrush

Three headed toothbrush allows the front, back and biting surfaces of teeth to be cleaned at the same time using a simple back and forth brushing motion.

Handle bends for extra safety and covered with soft “rubbery” coating to make it easier to hold.

Very useful for people who require others to brush their teeth for them or have difficulty using a standard toothbrush.

USL Medical. $90 per dozen, or $7.50 each + GST.

How Do I Perform Mouth Cares?

Anyone, including family/whanau and caregivers, can perform mouth cares. Mouth cares should be performed after every meal or snack.

If the person is not allowed to eat (NBM), do mouth cares every two hours.

Have ready:

Person sitting up or side lying to protect airway.

2-3 Mouthswabs.

Mouthwash solution (as determined by SLT, nurse, etc).

Toothbrush and toothpaste (if patient has teeth): o Use only a pea-sized amount of toothpaste with no water to decrease foaming and increase abrasive

cleaning action.

Dip (the swab in mouthwash)

Squeeze (excess fluid from swab)

Wipe (one area of mouth with swab)

Bin (the used swab)

Clean the following parts of the mouth, using a new swab until it comes out looking clean:

Top gum, Bottom gum, Roof of mouth, Under tongue, Surface of tongue, Inside of cheeks

Documents

A Guide to · Oral health effects overall health and it is important to maintain a clean mouth and teeth (no matter how many or few teeth you have!) Please discuss your oral hygiene