The first step in obtaining compliance with oral hygiene recommendations
is by promoting patient involvement through education of the patient. This
also maximizes the patients independence.
Education of the family members or other caregivers is critical for
ensuring appropriate and regular supervision of daily oral hygiene. Caregivers
should provide oral care only when the patient is unable to do so.
Caregivers should be educated in proper positioning of the person with
a disability for oral hygiene care. Pillows, beans bags, chairs and other
devices should be considered. Assistance from additional people may be
helpful as well.
In-service education programs are necessary for caregivers in institutions
and other residential settings such as group homes. In-service training
may be presented twice a year at such facilities and can be reinforced
at recall visits.
