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We offer a large range of medical toothbrushes with soft moulded bristles and cleaning implements for both adult and paediatric patients. These have been designed with small, patient friendly brush heads which allow the user to gently and effectively reach all areas of the oral cavities.
The OroCare suction products are ready for attachment to suction tubing straight from the packaging without the need for separate handles allowing for quick and efficient usage. Visit our dedicate page to view the full range.
Foam swabs should only be used to moisten the lips.
Reducing risk and increasing patient safety is of the highest importance and at Intersurgical we are always striving to improve our products through safer design. In 2012, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) issued a medical device alert regarding foam swabs identifying a risk that the foam head may become detached from the stick during use which may present a choking hazard for patients.¹
Since 2012, the MHRA has received 78 reports concerning foam swabs². Most commonly reported is the detachment of the foam head from the stick. The number of actual incidents will be much higher as this is an underreported issue. Studies have shown that foam swabs do not remove plaque from the surface of teeth as effectively as tooth brushing³.
For the most efficient removal of plaque, a soft bristle toothbrush is recommended.
Ventilator Associated Pneumonia (VAP) and Hospital Acquired Pneumonia (HAP) are known to increase mortality, increase hospital length of stay and increase treatment costs. Studies show that approximately 10-28% of ventilated patients acquire VAP4. An important intervention in decreasing VAP / HAP is providing regular and effective oral care. Find out more on our dedicated page.
Please contact your local Intersurgical representative if you would like further advice about your oral care programme in ICU. Follow the conversation for World Oral Health Day on social media with #worldoralhealthday
1. Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (2012) Medical Device Alert. Oral Swabs with a Foam Head. Bit.ly/MHRA2012020
https://www.gov.uk/drug-device-alerts/medical-device-alert-oral-swabs-with-a-foam-head-heads-may-detach-during-use
2. Otukoya, R. and Doshi, M., 2018. Selecting the right tools for mouth care delivery in hospitals. Nurs Times, 11, pp.18-21.
3. Marino PJ et al (2016) Comparison of foam swabs and toothbrushes as oral hygiene interventions in mechanically ventilated patients: a randomised split mouth study. BMJ Open Respiratory Research; 3: 1, e000150.
4. Collins, T., Plowright, C., Gibson, V., Stayt, L., Clarke, S., Caisley, J., Watkins, C.H., Hodges, E., Leaver, G., Leyland, S. and McCready, P., British Association of Critical Care Nurses (BACCN): Evidence-based consensus paper for oral care within adult critical care units.
