Importance of Oral Health in Patients Receiving Oxygen Therapy

Running head: ORAL HEALTH
ORAL HEALTH
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1ORAL HEALTH
1.
The oral status of the patient can be good index of the standard of care provided to the patients.
The patient should have their mouth moistened at least hourly with water or other moistening
agents and mouthwash. Water based lubricants can be provided to the lips for maintaining
hydration of the lips. The lubricating jellies gives relief to dry noses and lips by providing a
moisturizing effect to the nasal mucosa (Han et al. 2013). Alovera gels are also effective as
lubricating products. It is recommended not to use the petroleum based gels as they posses’ risks
of fire hazards involving the oxygen tanks. Dry throat and mouth can be treated by providing a
humidifier bottle with the oxygen concentrator. The humidifier bottles are connected to the
concentrator and force the oxygen through water. A humidifier is most useful if the patient is
using a transtracheal tube. It is necessary to use distilled or sterile water with the humidifier. This
provides moisture to the oxygen (Han et al. 2013). A room humidifier can also be provided in the
room of the patient such that the moisture, the patient is breathing in contains moisture. Oils of
seesame seeds can also be used for soothing the mucous membranes and hence can be applied to
the upper lips by using a clean cotton swab. Saline spray containing 0.9 % sodium chloride
solution can also be useful for rehydrating the mucous membrane of the throat and the nose
(Farrer 2012). Antihistamine medications can also be provided for reducing the irritation of the
nose and the throat.
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