Prescribed Mouthwash

Prescribed Mouthwash: Mainly used to decrease bacteria in the mouth and treat mild gum disease.

PSW Considerations:

  • The substance should not be swallowed. If the client cannot spit out the mouthwash, the PSW must report this to the office at 416-635-2860.
  • Do not mix the mouthwash with any other substances.
  • The mouthwash must be used regularly to see benefits.
  • The client must wait 30-minutes after using the mouthwash before eating/drinking.
  • Report to the office immediately at 416-635-2860 and stop using the mouthwash if the client develops:
    • A mouth or skin rash
    • Itching or swelling on the face, tongue, or throat
    • Severe dizziness
    • Trouble breathing
  • Common side effects:
    • Tooth/tongue staining
    • Mouth/throat irritation
    • Dry mouth
    • Change in the taste of food/drinks

Required Supplies:

  • Mouthwash
  • Provided measuring cup
  • Toothbrush & toothpaste
  • Gloves

Procedure for Administering Prescribed Mouth Wash:

  1. Check the client’s care plan via your mobile device for any specific instructions for this task.
  2. Wash hands thoroughly. Put on gloves.
  3. Gather all the supplies needed and set the client up for mouth care.
  4. Instruct the client to rinse their mouth thoroughly with water after performing mouth care (e.g. brushing teeth or denture care).
  5. Measure the prescribed amount of the mouthwash using the measuring cup provided.
  6. Instruct the client to swish the mouthwash around for 30 seconds and then spit out the mouthwash.
  7. Advise the client to wait 30-minutes before eating, drinking, brushing teeth, or using any other mouthwash.
  8. Assist the client with putting away the supplies used.
  9. Remove gloves and wash hands thoroughly.

Video Resource

Please click on the video link below for a visual demonstration of the procedure:

References:

American Dental Association. (2021). Mouthrinse (Mouthwash).
https://www.ada.org/resources/research/science-and-research-institute/oral-health-topics/mouthrinse-mouthwash

Anh, T. (2008, June 23). How to Use Mouthwash.
https://www.wikihow.com/Use-Mouthwash

Frothingham, S. (2018, September 24). The advantages and disadvantages of Chlorhexidine mouthwash. https://www.healthline.com/health/chlorhexidine-mouthwash

Medicine Management (2014, September 3). Medicine management – How to administer mouthwash [Video]. YouTube.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-vi5EpjrFI&ab_channel=MedicineManagement

Welch Dental Group. (2016). Mouthwash: Worth the 30 seconds.
https://welchdentalgroup.com/mouthwash-worth-the-30-seconds/