Oral Cavity Problems

Question 1

Stomatitis

Answer 1

Inflammation in the oral cavity(d/t allergies,viral,chemo,HIV)

Use soft tooth brushes

Do not use commercial mouthwash(use salt water, or sodium and bicarb. Swish and spit)

Question 2

Candidiasis

Answer 2

Is a form of stomatitis
(Overgrowth is secondary form of stomatitis)

Dentures can harbor bacteria

Question 3

Nystatin swish and swallow QID

Answer 3

Anti fungal swish and swallow

Question 4

Lidocaine swish and swallow

Answer 4

Reduces pain d/t candiadasis

SE: loss of oral sensation

Question 5

Leukoplakia

Answer 5

White patches in oral cavity

Usually benign in nature

Question 6

Erythroplakia

Answer 6

Red patches in oral cavity
More malignant in nature

Should have biopsy and watch closely

A mouth lesion that is not healed with in two weeks should be checked out by a dentist

Question 7

Cancer of the oral cavity

Answer 7

60> are the highest %

Chewing tobacco
Smoking and drinking
HIV all increase risk of oral cancer

S/S: bleeding from mouth, poor appetite,difficulty chewing, dysphagia, thickened lump in cheek, thick or absent saliva

Question 8

Basal cell

Answer 8

Does not metastasize(less dangerous compared to squamous cell)

Often due to sun exposure

Occurs primarily on the lips

Question 9

Squamous cell Carcinoma

Answer 9

Gets larger and spreads

More dangerous and rapid

Question 10

Head and neck cancer

Mouth cancer spreads quickly to head and neck

Answer 10

airway management
Often have tracheotomy 
Lyrngectomy(vocal cords)
May have chemo or radiation 
Chemo is NOT as effective as radiation

Question 11

Radiation effects

Answer 11

Changes their salivary glands

Xerostoma:extreme dryness of mouth(tissue is prone to injury or infection)
Teeth become unstable
Protein foods Taste very metallic

Question 12

Adult teeth

Answer 12

Adult has 32 teeth

Brush for 2 minutes(15 seconds each plane

Question 13

Patient education

Answer 13

Normal taste may return
Instead of meat try(eggs, cheese, beans for protein)

Use seasoning
Sugar free gum
Gravy on foods for moisture
Rinse with NS not commercial mouth wash

If dysphagia:thicken liquids
Suck on lollipops(strengthens throat muscle)