Toothette: Oral Care Swabs and Supplies for Caregivers

Good oral hygiene is important for everyone, but it is a vital health need for vulnerable people such as the elderly or disabled. Toothette by Stryker is a line of single-use oral care products designed for use by caregivers or those with mobility issues. These oral hygiene products include a variety of swabs, toothbrushes, moisturizers and mouth rinses. They are designed to provide effective oral cleansing, suctioning and moisturizing – particularly for patients at risk of developing pneumonia. This is because the bacteria that collects on the teeth and gums can be aspirated into the lungs, especially at night. This can cause pneumonia, which is a serious condition for anyone but can be life threatening for the elderly and disabled or those in critical care. Toothette products help caregivers and those with mobility issues manage oral hygiene whether they are at home, or in a hospital or other care facility.

The Toothette product line includes the following:

• Oral Swabs: This includes a variety of swabs including standard oral swabs for simple cleaning; suction swabs with ridges to clean between teeth and a function for suctioning fluids; and swabs medicated with Perox-a-Mint – a rinse that helps control bacteria.
• Suction Toothbrush Kit: This kit provides a disposable toothbrush, swab and applicator in a single package for effective oral cleaning of special needs patients. The suction functionality removes fluid from the mouth to prevent dangerous bacteria from collecting.
• Mouth Moisturizer: The Toothette mouth moisturizer has Vitamin E and coconut oil that soothes and moisturizes both oral tissue and lips, and can be easily applied with an oral swab.
• Oral Rinses: Perox-a-Mint oral rinse has hydrogen peroxide to remove debris from teeth and gums, which provides anti-bacterial protection.

Why Toothette Oral Hygiene Is a Healthcare Essential

Providing essential oral hygiene care on a daily basis is only part of a caregiver’s responsibilities but it is an essential part. That’s why Toothette’s goal is to ease the burden on caregivers with products that are disposable, easy to use and most importantly, effective. A common pathway for pneumonia in special needs patients is via oral bacteria that is aspirated into the lungs. Good oral hygiene disrupts this process in the following ways:

• Reduces bacteria build-up: The mouth is a breeding ground for bacteria that can accumulate over time if left untreated. Good oral hygiene practices prevent bacteria from growing.
• Prevents the aspiration of bacteria: Especially during sleep, germs and bacteria from plaque build-up can trickle down the throat and into the lungs. Reducing bacteria in the mouth means less bacteria being aspirated.
• Protects vulnerable patients: Those in intensive care or on oxygen as well as the elderly are especially vulnerable to aspiration pneumonia. Reducing oral bacteria significantly reduces risk.
• Effectively removes biofilm: Brushing is the most effective way to physically remove the sticky bacteria-filled biofilm that collects on teeth and gums.

Honest Medical is pleased to offer the Toothette line of special needs oral hygiene products. If you have any questions about oral hygiene supplies, please call one of our HonestMed Care Specialists at 833-933-2323.