Oral care protocol

[wendyp72]

Just wondering if anyone has an establised oral care protocol esp for vented pts...Trying to make some changes in our unit and lower VAP...Most nurses use the pink swabs.."Toothettes" and they don't really do well...Also wondering if anyone has any evidence based research on the subject..Thanks! :)

[LilRedRN1973]

In our unit (a Surgical/Medical/Trauma ICU), we use the Sage Soft Suction Toothbrushes Q 4hrs, and then use the green swabs Q 2 hrs. I notice a lot of RN's don't use the moisturizer that comes in the Soft Suction Toothbrush package, but I've found it makes a difference in my patients' mouths. We are not allowed to use vaseline (something about oxygen and petroleum not being a good mix...lol).

When we use the green swabs, we use a mixture of salt and baking soda in water to rinse out the mouth. Our CNS did her thesis on oral care and has made big changes in our unit regarding the frequency and type of oral care we provide. It was very interesting to hear the statistics on VAP and how much money it costs and the mortality rate. A $12 sage toothbrush can save the hospital thousands by helping to prevent VAP.

Most patients fight the oral care but appear to like it after I'm done.

Melanie = )