Oral Hygiene
Assessment of intraoral suture lines is best accomplished using a flashlight to inspect the tissues and
identify flap dehiscence, crust formation, poor oral hygiene, and pooling of secretions. Intraoral
wound care is administered using oral irrigations and mouth rinses, which keep the operative area
free of debris, stimulate blood supply, aid in the formation of granulation tissue, and promote a
comfortable, functional oral cavity.
If the patient has good oral competence, a mouth rinse or “swish” may be used. Patients who have
excessive crusting or thickened saliva benefit from the mechanical action provided by an oral
irrigation solution or irrigation device (eg, Water Pik). The most effective irrigating solutions are
combinations of normal saline, hydrogen peroxide, and soda bicarbonate. Commercial mouthwashes
containing alcohol should be avoided because of their drying and irritating effects on the oral tissues.
Unless contraindicated, a Yankauer oral suction tip is a useful aid for the patient who is unable to
control saliva. However, patients should be encouraged to swallow the saliva as healing occurs.