Side Effects of Treatments
Oxygen Use
Constant oxygen use may cause dry mouth.
Consider the following:- Using saliva substitutes in the mouth
- Use lanolin on the lips
- Use soft toothbrush
- Gentleness when preforming oral hygiene
- Tissues are more delicate
Tardive Dyskinesia
Tardive dyskinesia is an oral movement disorder and may occur in persons taking antipsychotic medications for a long period of time, even after the medication has been stopped.
Involuntary movements may make it more difficult to perform oral hygiene. Using bended toothbrushes to hold tongue and cheeks when brushing with another brush may help.
Gag Reflex
Some toothpastes and fluorides, or touching a certain part of the oral cavity (such as the back of the tongue or palate) can cause a person to gag and vomit. Brushing with only water may be the best treatment.
Some distraction methods to consider:
- Asking the person to wiggle their foot
- Tap their hand on their leg
- Breathe through their nose
- Put salt on the tongue
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