Oral Care throughout lifeHELPFUL ADVICE - FOR THOSE PERFORMING ORAL CARE ON SOMEONE ELSE

Inspect

Good oral care for a better quality of life

Everyone has the right to a healthy mouth throughout life - regardless of their age and abilities.

Many of us get affected with oral care problems, but today there are effective tools.

With this brochure we want to answer common questions and help you finding methods and

oral care products to perform oral care on someone else.

Good and effective oral care requires good lighting and tools. Use Proxident Penlight and Proxident Oral Support which is best fitted on the middle finger. Raise the bed if possible.

When the patient is sitting, stand diagonally behind him/her and support the head. Approach by laying a hand on the person’s shoulder and gently touch the cheek. If possible, have the patient rinse the mouth with water before inspection and lubricate the lips.

Pay attention to any medical conditions like tooth decay, inflammation of the gums, ulcers on the oral mucosa, fungal infections, sores from dentures or chemical burns from medication. If you are unsure or need help, contact your dental professional.

Proxident Pen LightSimple and flexible lamp with a focused beam of LED light (100 lux).

Proxident Oral Support To be used as finger protection for the person performing oral care on someone else and to help for those who have difficulty opening wide. In some cases, the patient may hold the oral support herself. Clean the oral support in detergent or in a desinfector (dishwasher max 90 ° C). With daily use, the oral support should be replaced once a month (maximum of 30 washes) or sooner if it starts to look worn out. For personal use, warm water is enough for cleaning. Available in Large and Small size.

PRODUCT SUGGESTIONS

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Clean

Proxident Dental Plate brushMakes cleaning of dentures easier, particularly for those having difficulty gripping and holding things. The dental plate brush is secured to the washbasin using suction cups, allowing the dentures to be easily cleaned under running water. Always clean dentures on both sides.

Colllis Curve toothbrush Short bristles in the middle which clean the chewing surface and long curved bristles which clean the gum line. Particularly useful when providing mouth care on someone else. Available in five different sizes.

Always use a soft toothbrush with toothpaste containing fluoride. Tilt the brush head approximately 45 degrees to the gum line and brush gently with small movements. Collis Curve is a toothbrush that brushes multiple surfaces simultaneously and can be used when it is difficult to open the mouth wide, short patiens and for those with strong vomiting reflexes. An electric toothbrush can also be an option.

If the patient has bridges or crowns that are firmly cemented to the remaining teeth (see illustration on page 7), trapped bacteria easily attach in the joints, which can lead to tooth decay and periodontal disease. Therefore clean the joints carefully. Cleaning is also important for those with implants, complete dentures or other tooth replacements (see images on page 7).

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For people who have a sensitive mouth, it is important to use a mild toothpastes, preferably without foaming agents (sodium lauryl sulphate) but always with fluoride. For dentures use an alternative toothpaste without abrasives.

Always use a toothpaste with fluoride!

PRODUCT SUGGESTIONS

To choose the right toothpaste

Proxident Toothpastefor dry and sensitive mouth with mild peppermint flavour

Proxident toothpaste is extra mild and suitable for those with very dry and sensitive oral mucosa. It has a mild peppermint flavour, contains fluoride (1450 ppm) and xylitol. Proxident toothpaste does not foam and is completely free of preserva-tives and SLS.

Proxident Toothpastefor dry and sensitive mouth no added flavours

Proxident toothpaste with no added flavours, is extra mild and suitable for those with very dry and sensitive oral mucosa. Neutral in flavour and contains fluoride (1450 ppm) and xylitol. Proxident Toothpaste does not foam and is completely free of preservatives and SLS.

PRODUCT SUGGESTIONS

Proxident toothbrush Sturdy easy-grip handle. Soft bristles with replaceable brush heads.

Proxident plastic toothpick Soft, flexible and with a roughened exterior to ensure effective cleaning. Can be bent without breaking.

Proxident Duoflex plastic toothpick Flexible and very thin double-ended toothpick with fluoride. Please note that Duoflex can not be mounted in the Proxident Holder.

PRODUCT SUGGESTIONS

Proxident holder Practical holder which fits both Proxident toothpicks and Proxident interdental brushes. Suitable for those with reduced mobility of the hands or for performing oral care on someone else.

Proxident plastic toothpick along with Proxident holder. Insert the plastic toothpick in the holder. When performing oral care on someone else, it is easiest to have the toothpick straight in the holder (see picture), otherwise you can try any angle to suit your needs best.

Turn the wide side of the toothpick towards the gum and insert the toothpick slightly from below in the lower jaw and slightly from above in the upper jaw. With small movements rub the toothpick against both sides of the interdental gap.

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Proxident plasttandsticka med hållare.

There are different types of products to use for cleaning between teeth. The most common are interdental brushes, dental floss and toothpicks.

When you use interdental brushes, it is important to try out the correct size.

Plastic toothpicks are more flexible than toothpicks made of wood.

Proxident plastic toothpick with fluorideSoft, flexible and with a roughened exterior to ensure effective cleaning. Can be bent without breaking.

To reach between teeth

The saliva protects the teeth and the oral mucosa. Reduced amount of saliva drastically increases the risk of tooth decay. If a person has a dry mouth, it becomes more difficult to chew, swallow and talk. If the person has dentures, it can cause annoying blisters. But these problems can be relieved.

In addition to teeth and dentures, the oral mucosa and tongue need cleaning. If dry mucus is present in the oral cavity an expectorant should be used. If the person is bedridden and has difficulty swallowing, place the person laying on the side. Moisten the mucosa and tongue with a solution recommended by dental care professionals. In the Proxident Care line you will find mildly lubricating and saliva stimulating products.

Contact a physician or dental professional if you suspect a yeast infection.

Moisten

Never use liquids or tooth-paste with strong flavours on those who have dry and sensitive oral mucosa.

Proxident mouth spray lubricatingProvides a lubrication for dry oral mucosa. Contains high quality sun-flower oil without added flavours.

Proxident Oral Wipe solutionThe same saliva stimulating liquid as above. Single use only.

CLEAN FIRST - THEN TREAT!

PRODUCT SUGGESTIONS

Proxident mouth spray saliva stimulating with fluoride (42 ppm)Contains saliva stimulating liquid with malic acid and urea, which raise the oral pH. Refreshing peppermint flavour.

Proxident Oral Wipe solutionThe same lubricating oil as above. Single use only.

Proxident Oral Moisturizing Gel no flavourHydrates and soothes very dry and sensitive oral mucosa. It is based on natural betain which provides a moisturizing effect and xylitol to prevent tooth decay. A pump makes it easy and hygienic to use.

Proxident Oral Moisturizing Gel mild peppermint flavourHydrates and soothes dry and sensitive oral mucosa. It is based on natural betain which provides a moisturizing effect and xylitol to prevent tooth decay. A pump makes it easy and hygienic to use.

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Bad breathCLEAN FIRST - THEN TREAT!

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Proxident Oral Wipe is a simple and hygienic aid in oral care. It is useful for cleaning, when treating problem areas, and oral hydration. It is a flexible, multifunctional tool that will ease your job, while still being gentle to the patient.

1. CleaningThe tip is made of soft, sculptured foam which contoured shape and unique swirl-ing back-and-forth action provides easy and efficient cleaning of gums, palate, tongue and cheeks.

2. TreatmentThe Oral Wipe can be used with a variety of solutions to treat problem areas in the mouth. It is especially useful for treating dry and sensi-tive areas, fungal infections, scabbing, and when there is need of pain relief.

3. AbsorptionProxident Oral Wipe is capable of absorbing 5-7 ml of liquid, enabling the wipe to not only hydrate a dry mouth, but also to alleviate thirst. For example, they can be dipped in water, coffee, juice, or other beverage that the patient can then suck.

Proxident Oral Swabs, dry Cotton swabs are used for cleaning of the oral cavity. Single use only.

Small Large

Proxident Oral Wipe, dry Made of soft foam, gentle when performing oral care. For more effective cleaning swirl the oral wipe back and forth. Available in small and large size. Single use only.

PRODUCT SUGGESTIONS

Important! When using oral wipes combined with a liquid, prevent the person from swal-lowing too much. Absorb liquid, squeeze any excess liquid from the wipe and dab the mouth with a smaller amount several times.

Almost everybody is some time in life affected with bad breath. For a person who is bedridden, have dry mouth, suffer from bad breath and is not capable to rinse, we recommended Proxident Oral Wipe in combination with a mouthwash for bad breath/halitosis.

Fluoride treatmentCLEAN FIRST - THEN TREAT!

Fluoride supplements are important at high risk for tooth decay if it helps you have dry mouth (eg when using medicines), partial denture, braces, exposed tooth necks or many fillings with increased risk of plaque (deposits).

The picture shows a person with exposed dental necks and extensive caries and fillings on the root surfaces in both up-per and lower jaw. If uncertain, contact dental professionals.

Fluoride strengthens the enamel and the exposed root surface (dentin) and therefore reduces the risk of tooth decay. Always use fluoride toothpaste and additional fluoride products. Proxident Oral Wipes can be used when the patient is not able to rinse with fluoride solutions. Absorb 2 ml of 0,2% NaF solution and treat the left side of the mouth and then the right side of the mouth.

Read more in the report “Simplified Topical Fluoride Administration” by Pia Gabre, DDS, PhD, Ulla Moberg Sköld, DDS, PhD, Dowen Birkhed, DDS, PhD, Public Dental Health, Uppsala County Council, Uppsala, Department of Cariology, Institute of Odontology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden. Spec Care Dentist 33(3): 111-117, 2013

Dental replacements

ImplantA jawbone anchored bridge, so called implant, is screwed into the jawbone and requires extra thorough cleaning. Con-tact dental professionals.

Partial dentureA Partial denture with hooks can be difficult to detect, remove and insert. Contact dental professionals if you need help.

Dental plateA full upper and lower dental plate should be cleaned at least twice a day. Moisten and lubricate the oral mucosa before the denture is inserted again.

Cemented bridge structure Pay particular attention to cleaning of bridge structures that are fixed with cement on to remaining teeth.

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Picture: Dowen Birkhed

Proxident Silicone Grip RingsAdapted for those with impaired ability to grip and hold things. Come in two sizes. Available in packs of 3.

Polly Grip pliersHelps people with limited grip and mobility function to twist, pull, pick and lift.

TIPS ON OTHER AIDS AND ACCESSORIES IN THE PROXIDENT CATALOGUE

Proxident Grip ItA simple and practical tool to facilitate handling of medicines in blister packs.

This brochure has been produced by Proxident AB and was updated in March 2014 in cooperation with Mun-H-Center in Gothenburg.

www.mun-h-center.se mun-h-center@vgregion.se

Proxident ABP.O. Box 470

791 16 Falun, SWEDENTel +46 23 79 22 22

Fax +46 23 79 22 01info@proxident.sewww.proxident.se