Dental Problems

Care Plan for Managing Dental Problems

Category / Primary Body System

• Oral Health

Problem

• Patient is at risk for complications related to dental problems.

Goal

• Patient will not have difficulty chewing and will not show signs of infections for the next 90 days.

Plan/Approach

1. Oral Hygiene and Care

   • Provide thorough oral care every shift and as needed to maintain oral hygiene and prevent infections.

2. Monitoring and Assessment

   • Monitor the mouth daily for lesions, swelling, bleeding, sores, and loose or broken teeth.
   • Monitor oral intake (PO) as needed to ensure adequate nutrition and identify any eating difficulties.
   • Monitor closely for any difficulty chewing or swallowing to address issues promptly.

3. Weight Monitoring

   • Weigh the patient weekly to monitor for any changes that might indicate problems with nutrition or oral health.

4. Dental Consultation

   • Arrange a dental consult per MD/RNP orders to address any identified dental issues and provide professional care.

Rationale

1. Oral Hygiene and Care

   • Regular and thorough oral care prevents infections, maintains dental health, and ensures comfort during eating.

2. Monitoring and Assessment

   • Daily monitoring of the mouth helps in early detection of dental issues, allowing for timely intervention and prevention of complications.

3. Weight Monitoring

   • Regular weight monitoring helps identify any potential nutritional deficits related to dental problems, allowing for prompt dietary adjustments.

4. Dental Consultation

   • Professional dental care ensures that any identified dental issues are managed appropriately, preventing complications and maintaining overall health.

Actions

1. Oral Hygiene and Care

   • Provide thorough oral care every shift, including brushing teeth, cleaning dentures, and using mouthwash as appropriate.
   • Assist with oral care as needed to ensure proper cleaning and maintenance.

2. Monitoring and Assessment

   • Inspect the mouth daily for any signs of lesions, swelling, bleeding, sores, or broken teeth.
   • Document findings and report any abnormalities to the healthcare team.
   • Monitor oral intake and note any changes in eating patterns or difficulties in chewing or swallowing.

3. Weight Monitoring

   • Weigh the patient weekly and document any significant changes, reporting them to the healthcare provider.

4. Dental Consultation

   • Coordinate with the dental team to schedule consultations and follow-up appointments as ordered by the MD/RNP.
   • Ensure any prescribed dental treatments are followed and documented.