Which term is the practice of keeping the mouth clean?

• A. Oral hygiene
• B. Oriented
• C. Overbed table
• D. Obsessive compulsive

Answer: (A)

Oral hygiene is the practice of keeping the mouth clean. It includes brushing the teeth, gums, and tongue; flossing if appropriate; cleaning dentures and mouth rinses as needed; and keeping the mouth moist. In daily care, assist residents with brushing at least twice daily (after meals when possible) using a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste, and ensure any dentures are cleaned and stored properly. Good oral hygiene helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease, reduces bad breath, keeps the resident more comfortable, and can lower the risk of infections such as pneumonia that can arise from poor mouth care. The other terms don’t fit because oriented relates to awareness or direction, an overbed table is equipment, and obsessive-compulsive describes a psychiatric condition, not mouth care.