lemmon swabs

[juliette]

I trained over 20 yrs ago and have been out of general nursing for 9 yrs i currently train care staff in Skills for Care Training. I am trying to get some information on lemon glycerin swabs i have been told recently that these are no longer recommended can anyone tell me why please.

[Bipley]

The new swabs contain a chlorahexidine solution (at least in our packets, not just the green swab itself). From my perspective, they don't do much for getting rid of "neuro breath" but are superior because it attaches itself to the oral mucosa providing longer oral protection against bacteria.

Chlorahexidine soln will also make dentures, partials, and bridge work brown forever and ever.

[1Tulip]

So why can't you brush the teeth of a comatose or delerious patient?

I don't want to sound like a smart__s, but I have a thing about patients with scummy mouths. I worked ICU for a long time. I learned a trick from an anesthesiologist about how to use tongue blades to gently wedge the mouth open and keep it open (I'll describe it if there's interest). After the mouth is open I used fairly ordinary toothpaste or mouthwash and a tooth brush to clean the mouth. I had a suction catheter handy to keep excess liquid from going down the airway.

I see no reason why my patient's mouths shouldn't get the same attention I give mine.

[suzanne4, RN]

Absolutely. There is no reason that a comatose patient or someone that is intubated, should not have their teeth brushed at least every shift, along with oral care every four hours. This is actually the standard now to prevent VAP. (Ventilator-Assisted Pneumonia).

There are the green "toothbrushes" that come for oral care that have a sponge on one side and and very soft brushes on the other. The opposite end actually hooks to suction and they work quite well.

[Mirai Kangofu]

Now that I remember, we switched from using those yucky lemon swabs and used those sponge-tipped toothbrush wands instead.