Maintenance of mouth hygiene in patients with oral cancer in the immediate post-operative period.
BACKGROUND
Little has been written about mouth hygiene measures during the immediate postoperative phase in patients with oral cancer. Mouth hygiene not only involves the care and maintenance of the dentition and its related structures, but also the maintenance of surgical sites, reconstructive techniques such as free flaps and generally keeping the mouth clean, which may optimize healing potential and patient comfort. Ward conditions and novel methods of reconstruction require innovation and improvisation of routine methods of mouth and oral hygiene.


METHODS
A review of techniques of mouth hygiene used during the immediate post-operative phase by our unit over the last nine years and a review of the literature.


RESULTS
Various methods gained from our experience in treating patients with oral cancer at the Austin and Repatriation Medical Centre are documented. Most methods involve a combination of either chlorhexidine or normal saline mouth rinses and mechanical cleaning.


CONCLUSIONS
There are many different methods of mouth care in patients who have had resection for oral tumours. It is important for dental practitioners, hygienists and allied health professionals, who may be involved with care of such patients to have an understanding of the methods that are available and appropriate for such patients.
Chandu
A
A
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Austin and Repatriation Medical Centre, Heidelberg, Victoria.
Stulner
C
C
Bridgeman
A M
AM
Smith
A C H
AC
D000779:Anesthetics, Local / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002710:Chlorhexidine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003773:Dental Plaque / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009062:Mouth Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D009067:Mouthwashes / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009910:Oral Hygiene / Q000295:instrumentation; D016877:Oxidants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D011182:Postoperative Care; D011206:Povidone-Iodine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012965:Sodium Chloride / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D014099:Toothbrushing / Q000295:instrumentation; D014945:Wound Healing
D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local; D009067:Mouthwashes; D016877:Oxidants; D012965:Sodium Chloride; D011206:Povidone-Iodine; D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide; D002710:Chlorhexidine