When brushing the teeth of an unconscious patient Why is the toothbrush held so that its bristles are at a 45 degree angle to the gum line?

Revised by: Krista Shea, RN BScN CNCC(C) CCTC; Brenda Morgan January 6, 2017

Last Updated: February 2, 2020; Reviewed: February 2, 2021; Reviewed: January 21, 2022

Revised from: Dr. H Lapointe, Chief of Oral Surgery, UWO, Cathy Mawdsley, CNS Critical Care, LHSC: http://www.lhsc.on.ca/critcare/ucicu/procs/oralcare.htm

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When brushing the teeth of an unconscious patient Why is the toothbrush held so that its bristles are at a 45 degree angle to the gum line?

When it comes to maintaining good oral hygiene, there are many steps and processes you can use to do so; flossing, mouthwash, specialised diet, etc. However, one of the most effective, and widely used methods for ensuring high quality oral hygiene is brushing.

Yet, what is not known to many is there are a variety of methods you can use to make sure your brushing is more effective at cleaning your teeth, and removing tartar and plaque build-up. Not to mention food that has been caught in the gaps between your teeth.

We are going to cover four different, yet most commonly used methods, for brushing your teeth in a more effective manner.

Stillman’s Brushing Method.

With this method the aim is to remove plaque from above the gum line, and is also good for patients with gingivitis.

Technique: angle the bristles at 45 degrees toward the gum line. The bristles should be half on the gums and half on the tooth’s surface. By making short, light horizontal movements, the plaque is removed from above the gum line. The motion helps to remove plaque and stimulate the gums, and is great for targeting small groups of teeth effectively. Once you have finished with a set of teeth, move to the next and repeat.

Bass (Sulcular) Brushing Method.

The aim with this method is to remove plaque from below the gum line and is the preferred method for patients with periodontitis.

Technique: hold bristles at 45 degree angle towards gum line. Slight pressure and vibratory motions will make sure the bristles go slightly beneath the gum line, which maximizes the extraction and removal of bacteria. Once again, only small groups of teeth can be done at any one time.

**The Stillman and Bass methods can be ‘modified’ by gently sweeping bristles away from the gums. **

Charter’s Brushing Method.

Best for people with orthodontic braces.

Technique: position the bristles at a 45 degree angle, and direct them so they remove plaque from the brackets and arch wire. Then change direction so the bristles remove plaque from below the brackets and arch wire. This will ensure all plaque is removed from the surfaces of the braces.

Circular Brushing Method.

This is the one we were all taught as children, and definitely one of the most used methods.

Technique: One of the easiest around, with the bristles held at a 45 degree angle toward the gum line, make small, light circular shaped brush strokes that overlap each tooth surface. Maintain this until all teeth have been cleaned.

Even given the extra benefits all the above methods provide, it is still recommended that you continue to brush the chewing surfaces, as well as the back of the bottom and front teeth, and tongue, by lightly scrubbing up and down. Also, remember to use a soft bristled brush. It’s also recommended that you ask your dentist about what method would best suit you.

So the next time you are at Somerset Dental Care for a check-up, ask one of our friendly doctors and they will be more than happy to advise you on the best method to suit your needs.

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What position should an unconscious patient be placed in when providing mouth care?

CORRECT. An unconscious patient is placed in the side-lying position when mouth care is provided because this position prevents pooling of secretions at the back of the oral cavity, thereby reducing the risk of aspiration.

When providing oral care to the unconscious individual The first step is to?

What's the process of oral care for an unconscious patient?.
Gather supplies..
Check identification bracelet or name tag..
Introduce self, tell patient what you are going to do, provide privacy..
Wash hands, put on gloves..
Raise bed to comfortable height to perform oral care and raise head of bed 30 degrees..

In which direction is the airway initially inserted into the patient's mouth?

The OPA is inserted in the patient's mouth upside down so the tip of the OPA is facing the roof of the patient's mouth. As the airway is inserted it is rotated 180 degrees until the flange comes to rest on the patient's lips and/or teeth.