ORAL AND DENTAL CARE

Maintaining oral hygiene in the days following oral cancer surgery is of utmost importance to prevent infections and delayed wound healing.

Immediately after surgery, the patient's oral cavity is to be cleaned at least twice a day/as many times as advised. The patient must also brush using a soft bristled toothbrush twice a day.

Equipment required - 

• 10ml syringe with the needle separated

• 0.02% Chlorhexidine Gluconate solution

• Hydrogen Peroxide solution

• Stainless steel kidney tray

Procedure -

• Add 1/2 ml hydrogen peroxide solution to 10 ml 0.02% chlorhexidine mouthwash in a 10ml syringe with the needle separated.

• Ask the patient to open their mouth as wide as possible, and ask another person to help visualize the oral cavity using a torch.

• Irrigate the oral cavity gently, and ask the patient to spit.

• Repeat the process 5-6 times daily, or as advised.

When to visit the hospital -

• Pus discharge from operative site

• Bleeding from operative site

• If on intra-oral irrigation, the mouthwash solution escapes via the extra-oral suture line. 

• Fever