General mouth care in palliative care

Oral problems are common in patients with palliative care needs. Simple symptomatic measures can dramatically increase a patient’s quality of life by improving appetite, eating and sense of wellbeingVenkatasalu, 2020. The management of oral problems includes meticulous mouth care; specific therapy is needed for some conditions.

General mouth care measures include frequent (eg 4-hourly) mouthwashing with plain water or water containing an additive (eg sodium bicarbonate) and brushing teeth gently using a soft brush and toothpaste. These measures can be undertaken by carers and family, whose active involvement in the patient’s care may allow them to reflect positively on that involvement after the patient dies.