Oral care sponges for long-term care patients: a review of the clinical-effectiveness
Dunfield L, Clark M, Banks R
Record ID 32011001251
English
Authors' recommendations:
Limited evidence for the use of oral care sponges was identified in the literature. One controlled clinical trial in the general population concluded that a toothbrush was more effective than a foam swab for plaque removal. The information in the published guidelines on oral care was also limited. Both guidelines stated that an oral care sponge or foam swab is not as effective as a toothbrush for dental care. One guideline, however, also stated that a foam swab was recommended if toothbrushing could cause irritation, such as in the geriatric population. No evidence about the safety of using oral care sponges was identified.Overall, the limited literature states that an oral care sponge is not as effective as a toothbrush for plaque removal and dental care. The decision to use oral care sponges should take into consideration the oral health of the patient. One guideline also stated that a toothbrush was more economical than an oral care sponge, which may be a consideration for decision-making.
Details
Project Status:
Completed
URL for project:
http://www.cadth.ca/media/pdf/L0116_Oral_Care_Sponges_final.pdf
Year Published:
2009
English language abstract:
An English language summary is available
Publication Type:
Not Assigned
Country:
Canada
MeSH Terms
- Long-Term Care
Contact
Organisation Name:
Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health
Contact Address:
600-865 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1S 5S8 Canada. Tel: +1 613 226 2553; Fax: +1 613 226 5392;
Contact Name:
requests@cadth.ca
Contact Email:
requests@cadth.ca
Copyright:
Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH)
This is a bibliographic record of a published health technology assessment from a member of INAHTA or other HTA producer. No evaluation of the quality of this assessment has been made for the HTA database.