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Writer's pictureSarah Cummingham

Mastering Patient Dental Care for the CNA Exam

Updated: Sep 27

Taking the CNA exam is a crucial step in your journey to becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant. One of the important skills you'll need to demonstrate is providing patient dental care. This guide will walk you through the steps to make learning easy.


Part 1: Dental Care for Bedridden Patients 🦷

Safety and infection control are top priorities when it comes to dental care for patients who can't do it themselves. Remember, saliva is a body fluid, so always wear gloves. Now, let's break it down.




dental care tips


Supplies:

🪥 Barrier for table

🪥 Towel

🪥 Gloves (safety first!)

🪥 Toothbrush

🪥 Toothpaste

🪥 Emesis basin (for spitting)

🪥 Cup of water


Task Breakdown:

Hand Hygiene: Start with clean hands.

Gloves On: Protect yourself and the patient by wearing gloves.

Set Up Supplies: Place everything on a barrier to keep it sanitary.

Elevate the Bed: If the care plan allows, raise the head of the bed to make it easier for the patient.

Protect the Clothing: Cover the patient's chest with a towel to avoid messes.

Wet the Toothbrush: Use the sink or a cup of water.

Apply Toothpaste: Just a tiny dab will do.

Brush Thoroughly: Clean all surfaces of the teeth—inner, outer, and chewing surfaces.

Rinse and Spit: After brushing each section, let the patient rinse with water and spit into the emesis basin.

Tongue Cleaning: Gently clean the tongue, avoiding the gag reflex.

Final Rinse: Help the patient rinse their mouth thoroughly.

Tidy Up: Wipe the patient's mouth with the towel.

Remove the Towel: Place it in a linen bag.

Clean Up Supplies: Empty, rinse, and dry the emesis basin. Rinse the toothbrush and put everything away.

Gloves Off: Remove gloves carefully, turning them inside out.

Hand Hygiene Again: Finish up with clean hands.



dental care supplies


Part 2: Denture Care 🦷

Taking care of dentures is just as important as taking care of natural teeth. Here's how to ensure that dentures are sparkling clean.



denture care tips


Supplies:

🪥 Gloves

🪥 Denture brush

🪥 Denture toothpaste (if available)

🪥 Dentures

🪥 Denture cup

🪥 Denture cleansing tablet (optional)

🪥 Emesis/oral basin

🪥 Oral swab

🪥 Cup of water

🪥 Clothing protector (towel)

🪥 Barrier (paper towel)

🪥 Sink liner (paper towel or washcloth)

🪥 Linen bag


Task Breakdown:

Hand Hygiene: Start with clean hands.

Gloves On: Safety first—glove up!

Set Up Supplies: Place everything on a barrier.

Protect the Clothing: Use a clothing protector on the patient.

Line the Sink: Place a washcloth or paper towel in the sink to prevent breakage if dentures are dropped.

Remove Dentures: Carefully remove the dentures and place them in a cup or basin.

Handle with Care: Avoid damaging or contaminating the dentures.

Brush Dentures: Wet the denture brush and apply denture toothpaste.

Clean Thoroughly: Brush all surfaces of the dentures—inner, outer, and chewing surfaces.

Rinse Dentures: Use cool water and place them on a clean barrier or in a basin.

Clean the Cup: Rinse the denture cup.

Store Dentures: Place the dentures in the rinsed cup.

Oral Swab: Wet an oral swab and gently clean the patient's gums and tongue.

Rinse and Spit: Let the patient rinse and spit into the emesis basin.

Reinsert Dentures: Place the dentures back in the patient's mouth if they wish.

Tidy Up: Wipe the patient's mouth and remove the clothing protector, placing it in the appropriate container.

Clean Up Supplies: Rinse the denture brush and emesis basin. Store the equipment properly.

Dispose of Lining: Throw away the sink liner in an appropriate container.

Gloves Off: Remove gloves carefully, turning them inside out.

Hand Hygiene Again: Finish up with clean hands.



denture care supplies


🦷 Whether you're providing dental care for bedridden patients or managing dentures, attention to detail, safety, and empathy are key. 🦷

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