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Activities and engagement

Eating and drinking

Future care planning

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Oral care

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Consequences of poor oral care

In this video, you’ll learn how looking after the mouth can help prevent avoidable health problems and support overall wellbeing, especially for those who have swallowing difficulties. It also highlights why maintaining a clean, healthy mouth is an important part of daily care.

What are the consequences of poor oral care?

Increased infections

Increased risk of chest infections as harmful bacteria can build up in the mouth and be inhaled into the lungs.

Reduced saliva production

Reduces saliva production which can lead to ongoing problems with dry mouth.

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Social isolation

Affects speech and causes bad breath impacting confidence, social interactions and overall dignity.

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Malnutrition and dehydration

Changes in taste make eating less enjoyable and dry mouth can make it harder to chew and swallow. This can lead to reduced intake of food and fluids, increasing the risk of malnutrition and dehydration.

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Dryness or pain in the mouth may be an early warning sign of an oral health issue that needs attention.

We encourage you to seek advice from a GP, dentist or another healthcare professional if you notice any changes in your own oral health, or in the oral health of the person you care for, or if you have concerns about mouth discomfort, dry mouth or swallowing difficulties.

Meet our experts

Chloe Green

Chloe completed a BSc in Speech and Language Therapy from City University of London. She started her career in the NHS in the adult acute setting and has worked across a range of medical specialities, including frailty, respiratory medicine, oncology and neurological rehabilitation. Chloe subsequently specialised in voice and upper airway disorders. In her current NHS clinical practice alongside her work at Nightingale Hammerson, she is based in the paediatric acute service within Bart’s Health Trust, as well as running a paediatric Voice and Upper Airway service. At Nightingale Hammerson, Chloe works within the multidisciplinary therapy team, supporting Residents with Dysphagia (swallowing problems) and communication difficulties. She enjoys maximising Resident’s quality of life and supporting members of the care team with learning and development. 

 

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The resources available are not, and are not intended to be, medical advice, which should be tailored to your individual circumstances.  The resources are for your information only, and we advise that you exercise your own judgment before deciding to use the information provided. Professional medical advice should be obtained before taking action. Full terms and conditions