Oral Hygiene

andDysphagia

Dysphagia is the name for difficulties with

Swallowing.

is the name for difficulties

Oral Hygieneis

essentialfor a

healthy mouth.

Causes build up of bacteria

Residue left in the mouth due to dysphagia

PoorDentition

BadBreath

OralInfections

aspirat ionof harmful

Dysphagia increases risk of

Bacteria

Aspiration Pneumonia can belife threatening.

The bacteria can cause a chest infection known as Aspiration Pneumonia.

Good

Oral Hygiene is essential. is essential.

Try and complete it

at least 2 times a day.

If you are supportingsomeone to perform oral hygiene

tilt their head forward slightly to reduce risk of aspiration.

� e best, most natural position for performing oral hygiene is to stand or sit behind the person.

About one hour a� er each meal is ideal.

Try a low foamingtoothpaste

Electric toothbrushes clean well too

Use a soft to medium bristled toothbrush

a pea size amount of toothpaste

on a dry toothbrush

do not rinse

with a small head

Clean the whole mouth

teeth

tongue

palate

Moisturise lips with Aqueous G el

Clean dentures dai lyand

remove at night

Find out more:

http://www.patient.co.uk/health/oral-hygiene

http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/dentalhealth

Contact:Oral Health Office Promotion Team: 0191 387 6504

References:Policy and Procedures for Mouth Care Guidelines (2014): County Durham and Darlington NHS Trust

Deliver Better Oral Health (2014) Department of Health https://www.gov.uk/government/publica-tions/delivering-better-oral-health-an-evidence-based-toolkit-for-prevention

Oral care for people with dysphagia (2014): Somerset NHS Trust www.sompar.nhs.uk/con-tent/26210/58952

Sørensen RT1, Rasmussen RS, Overgaard K, Lerche A, Johansen AM, Lindhardt T. (2013)Dysphagia screening and intensified oral hygiene reduce pneumonia after stroke. J Neurosciences 45(3):139-46.

SE Langmore etal (1998) Predictors of aspiration pneumonia: how important is dysphagia? Dys-phagia

Frank A. Scannapieco* and Joseph M. Mylotte (1996) Relationships Between Periodontal Disease and Bacterial Pneumonia Journal of PeriodontologyVol. 67, No. 10s, Pages 1114-1122

All images © Aphasia Friendly Resources www.aphasiafriendly.coNot to be reproduced without permission.Publication date; July 2019Date of review: Feb 2022. Contact Kathryncann@nhs.netLea� et Reference Number: PIL/CG/0659Version 1.0