Case Study Example on Oral Self-care

Pain is usually considered as a protective response which ranges from minor sensitivity to severe pain, therefore, informing the body that there is something wrong. The primary cause of this pain is abscessed teeth which are a condition where dental pulp which is also known as the nerve is infected. The occurrence indicates that long duration tooth decay is imminent causing the pain between the gum and the tooth. The pain will interfere with the chewing, and some can experience swelling in the neck glands.

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Soreness of the mouth can be characterized by swelling and redness of the lining of the mouth. It sometimes can be out of painful ulcers. An ulcer involves the formation of a hole that forms in the lining of the mouth when the top layer cells break down. Most of the ulcers appear to be red in color although there are some that are white due to dead cells and food debris in the center portion. Some sore are raised, and others are filled with fluid like how a blister is. In some occasions, the mouth can appear normal although with a burning syndrome. The ulcers in the mouth make eating difficult, and it can lead to dehydration and undernutrition. Some sores can go away for a few days and then reoccur.

Mouth sores are caused by a viral infection like herpes and other infections that are caused by fungi or bacteria. If ingestion of chemicals or irritating food happens, one can be vulnerable to mouth soreness. The recurrent aphthous stomatitis or what is referred to as canker sore, drug use especially chemotherapy drugs and radiation therapy can trigger. If one injures their tongue or mouth by biting themselves or there is a history of systemic disorders.

A bacterial infection can cause mouth sore and also mouth swelling. The infection can be brought about by organism overgrowth which becomes present in the mouth or the introduced organism. The infection from the gums or teeth can spread forming a pus-filled pocket of infection or even inflammation.

As much as the oral issue is concerned, the patient is experiencing pain and has a sore mouth. There are few things that one can carry out to minimize painful teeth and control discomfort. In the quest to keep the teeth clean, it is advisable to keep the teeth clean by brushing them thrice a day and not frequently. Gums are considered delicate tissue, and when you brush in the wrong way, then they could be damaged. Proper brushing technique should be used.

Flossing on a daily basis is important since it will prevent gum problem to arise in the future and also deal with the current ones. Floss takes only a few minutes, but it is worth it. Using the antiseptic mouthwash is also important since it kills bacteria that cause gum disease. A well-balanced diet with an inclusion of vitamin C and calcium is likely to minimize the gum problem which can lead to prevention of mouth sores.

Plenty water after a meal can be useful in washing the food from the teeth, therefore, making it less likely for the bacteria to form a damaging gum plague that will cause a toothache in the future. Smoking tobacco is dangerous, and it is important to be cautious about extreme hot or even cold food and drinks. With gum and toothache, it is advisable to settle down on warm or cool food since extreme cold, and hot food or drinks can increase tooth sensitivity causing more pain or sinus pain when taken. It is also considerably necessary for the patient to be relaxed and avoid stress. Stress is the main factor that leads to inflammation throughout the body. If stress is high, then hormone cortisol rises causing tooth problems.

Oral Self Care

Process Categories Criteria Met Criteria Not Met Comments

Appropriate toothbrush is selected considering size, texture, and design Selection should be based on the individual preference and ability to manipulate the brush. Soft bristled brush, with flexible neck and a powered toothbrush, is correct If the toothbrush used has hard bristles, it can damage the gums It is important to seek a manual toothbrush that has a seal approval for the dental association.

Rationale is provided for the toothbrush selection Toothbrush vary in size, design and the choice depends on dexterity, personal preference, and correct procedure

Buying any brand of brush not considering the specifications of the America Dental Association It is important to know whether the brush you are using is medium or hard so that the abrasion of tooth surface can be changed

Rationale is provided for the toothbrush technique selected Brushing surface should 1-1.25 inch, 2-4 rows of bristles, 0.2 mm soft, 0.3mm medium and 0.4mm hardness. The patient is emphasizing on bristle types than techniques. Using brushes with smaller heads than bigger heads The removal of plague depends on the technique used and the choice of a toothbrush. With a toothbrush that contain ADA specifications about width and length, there would be no problems.

Proper toothbrush bristle orientation and angulation is provided Tufts of conventional bristles located in the center row of the base area of the toothbrush head and the bristles are inserted Hard-medium bristles damages the gums The goal of brushing is to remove plagues as gently as possible while protecting gums and teeth and at the same time cleaning them.

Proper grasp is demonstrated when tooth brushing Grasp the toothbrush with the entire hand, with the thumb pointing the bristles, use the firm grasp, use the short, back forth brushing motion outside the mouth. Brushing with less firm grasp and not procedure It is important to brush both the teeth and the gum with the use of systematic brushing, so no area is missed.

Proper motion is demonstrated when tooth brushing Place the toothbrush over the teeth and wiggle it back and forth a little bit making sure the bristles cover each tooth. Use gentle circular massaging motion Taking a toothbrush out and use it back and forth until one feels the teeth are clean By using the wrong motion, the patient scrub the tooth enamel aging the teeth prematurely

Tooth brushing is demonstrated for the correct length of time Average brushing time is 2-4 minutes Brushing regularly and for a long time Proper brushing time will protect the enamel

Appropriate tooth brushing routine and pattern are demonstrated Brushing routine necessary is at least twice a day Brushing once or frequently is not proper It allows proper time to spend cleaning every quadrant of the mouth

Appropriate interproximal cleansing device is chosen Use of Dental Floss, electric brush, and oral irrigators Using regular brush Interproximal cleaning involves cleaning of the gaps between the teeth that is occupied by the gums.

Rationale is provided for the selection of an interproximal cleansing device Appropriate proximal brushes are those with quality filaments Not using specific proximal brushes Specific interproximal cleaning is essential for biofilm removal

Proper grasp is demonstrated when utilizing dental floss floss wrapped around the second finger, guided by the thumb and first finger Not following any method It prevents gingivitis bleeding

Proper insertion of floss is demonstrated through contact with a sawing motion Through back and forth motion Proper flossing removes plague and food particles

Proper adaptation of flows is demonstrated wrap floss in C-shaped around the tooth Not using a two-inch length of floss taut between fingers It is wise to floss all the teeth, the upper and the lower

Floss is activated properly with a buffing and zig zag motion Snapping floss between the teeth To enable cleanliness, counter floss around the side of the tooth.

Access with the floss is gained to all interproximal area in the mouth Underneath the gumline and between the teeth Cleaning between teeth only Plague build up can cause tooth decay and gum disease

Appropriate flossing routine and pattern are demonstrated Daily flossing Once in a week Daily flossing removes all the plagues and debris

Disclosing solution is utilized effectively Use two types of floss; nylon and PIFE Not using floss Both types of floss remove plagues even with tight spaces between teeth

Overall biofilm/ plague removal is demonstrated With 18 inches of floss, the wind each middle finger leaving floss to work on an inch.

Slide gently holding floss between thumb and index finger

Curve the floss around the base of each tooth going beneath the gum line

Use clean floss section on every tooth

Use of forth and back motion to bring the floss up and away from teeth Unguided removal especially in electrical flosser Flossing can result into complications, and it is important to be gentle

Biofilm Removal

To make sure that the patient can be able to perform the biofilm removal instructions, the patient will be provided with an individual biofilm removal instructions kit which will aid with the areas of emphasis and for clarity. Also, interval visits will be increased whereby the patient will be requested to turn up for check up to confirm that the instructions are followed to the latter.

Etiology of Periodontal Diseases

Periodontal disease is a pathological condition of the inflammation of the gum and bone support that are surrounding the teeth. The two common periodontal diseases include gingivitis and periodontitis. The mouth is full of bacteria together with mucus and other particles. They, therefore, form a sticky, colorless plague on the teeth. If the plague is not removed, it can harden and form tartar that cannot be cleaned with a brush unless it is flossed. The bacteria cause the gum to turn red, swell and it can bleed badly in the case of gingivitis. Gingivitis can be treated brushing and flossing on a daily basis. It can also be minimized by a dentist or dental hygiene maintenance.

Importance of Oral self-routine

It is importance to carry out routine oral self- care since it will necessitate the cleanliness of the teeth and gums. Self -care will enable the removal of any plague and tartar in the teeth, polish the teeth and floss between them. The required techniques to brush and to floss will be met and therefore preventing teeth damages and other effects like periodontal diseases.

Implications of Prozac and Amoxil

Amoxil is best known for treating bacterial infections since it is a penicillin-type of antibiotic. It acts in stopping the growth of bacteria. Its dental implications involve causing dry mouth whereby mouth tissue becomes irritated and inflamed. By so doing, the risk of infection becomes high, tooth decay and gum disease become a problem. Anti-depressant drugs contain different agents that cannot be overlooked. Prozac is used to treat depression, and it causes dental implications like dry mouth, bad breath, yeast infections and gum disease. If one has a history of using anti-depressant drugs, they ought to undergo frequent brushing and flossing.

Compliance Success

Some dietary habits and lifestyle factors can be a hindrance to the oral health like sugar consumption, drinking alcohol, change in weight and smoking can affect the oral self-care. To succeed in maintaining a healthy smile and a healthy body, the use of the proper oral hygiene saves the day. Cooperation through following every syllable of instructions will enable success. Effective communication in the future about the progress and airing any challenges encountered would be efficient and would lead to the elimination of dental phobias.

In conclusion, it is expected that on the next visit the patient will have less or minimal level of gingivitis effects like sore mouth and toothache. The patients' oral hygiene will increase with practices of oral health diet and oral hygiene. The patient will know the techniques for brushing and flossing and will have a correct pattern to carry out all the self-care practices.