Maintenance of mouth hygiene in patients with oral cancer in the immediate post-operative period

BACKGROUND: Little has been written about mouth hygiene measures during the immediate postoperative phase in patients with oral cancer. Mouth hygiene not only involves the care and maintenance of the dentition and its related structures, but also the maintenance of surgical sites, reconstructive techniques such as free flaps and generally keeping the mouth clean, which may optimize healing potential and patient comfort. Ward conditions and novel methods of reconstruction require innovation and improvisation of routine methods of mouth and oral hygiene. METHODS: A review of techniques of mouth hygiene used during the immediate post-operative phase by our unit over the last nine years and a review of the literature. RESULTS: Various methods gained from our experience in treating patients with oral cancer at the Austin and Repatriation Medical Centre are documented. Most methods involve a combination of either chlorhexidine or normal saline mouth rinses and mechanical cleaning. CONCLUSIONS: There are many different methods of mouth care in patients who have had resection for oral tumours. It is important for dental practitioners, hygienists and allied health professionals, who may be involved with care of such patients to have an understanding of the methods that are available and appropriate for such patients.