CNA Certification (Written Exam)Activities of Daily LivingMedium
A CNA is assisting a resident with brushing their teeth. The resident wears dentures. What specific care should be given to the resident's mouth before reinserting the dentures?
- ARinse the mouth with an alcohol-based mouthwash.
- BBrush the resident's tongue, gums, and inside of cheeks.
- COffer a cup of water to swirl around the mouth.
- DApply a generous amount of denture adhesive.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Brush the resident's tongue, gums, and inside of cheeks.
Even without natural teeth, oral hygiene is crucial. Brushing the tongue, gums, and inside of the cheeks stimulates circulation, removes food particles and bacteria, and prevents odors and infections before dentures are reinserted.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Alcohol-based mouthwash can be drying and irritating to oral tissues, especially in older adults.
- C. While rinsing is good, brushing the tissues provides a more thorough cleaning and stimulation.
- D. Adhesive is applied to the dentures, not directly to the mouth's tissues, and only after the mouth is clean.
Denture Oral Care
The practice of cleaning a resident's mouth tissues (gums, tongue, cheeks) even when they wear dentures, to maintain oral health.
- Brush gums, tongue, and cheeks.
- Stimulates circulation and removes bacteria.
- Prevents oral infections and odors.
Memory trick: Gums, Tongue, Cheeks: The Denture Speaks.