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Central Philippine University

COLLEGE OF NURSING GRADUATE PROGRAMS


Master of Arts in Nursing

MAN 621a
Advanced Medical-Surgical Nursing (lecture)
INTERVENTIONS FOR CLIENTS WITH DISORDER OF THE ORAL CAVITY
ORAL CAVITY
OVERVIEW
Functions of the Oral Cavity
1. Sensory analysis
Of material before swallowing
2. Mechanical processing
Through actions of teeth,
tongue, and palatal surfaces
3. Lubrication
Mixing with mucus and salivary
gland secretions
4. Limited digestion
Of carbohydrates and lipids
1. Oral Mucosa

Lining of oral cavity

Has stratified squamous


epithelium

Of cheeks, lips, and inferior


surface of tongue
- Is relatively thin and delicate
2. Labia
Also called lips
Anteriorly, the mucosa of each cheek is
continuous with that of the lips
3. Vestibule

Space between the cheeks (or lips) and


the teeth
4. Gingivae (Gums)
Ridges of oral mucosa
Surround base of each tooth on alveolar
processes of maxillary bones and mandible
5. Tongue
Manipulates materials inside mouth
Functions of the tongue
Mechanical processing by
compression, abrasion, and
distortion
Manipulation to assist in
chewing and to prepare material
for swallowing
Sensory analysis by touch,
temperature, and taste
receptors
Secretion of mucins and the
enzyme lingual lipase
6. Salivary Glands
- Three pairs secrete into oral cavity

Parotid salivary glands

Sublingual salivary glands

Submandibular salivary
glands
- Each pair has distinctive cellular
organization
And produces saliva with
different properties
Parotid Salivary Glands
- Produce serous secretion
Enzyme salivary amylase
(breaks down starches)

Sublingual Salivary Glands


- Covered by mucous membrane of floor
of mouth
- Produce mucous secretion

Acts as a buffer and lubricant


Submandibular Salivary Glands
- In floor of mouth
- Secrete buffers, glycoproteins (mucins),
and salivary amylase

Saliva
99.4% water
0.6% includes:
Electrolytes (Na+, Cl, and HCO3)
Saliva
Buffers
Glycoproteins (mucins)
Antibodies
Enzymes
Waste products

Functions of Saliva
Lubricating the mouth
Moistening and lubricating materials in
the mouth
Dissolving chemicals that stimulate
taste buds and provide sensory information
Initiating digestion of complex
carbohydrates by the enzyme salivary
amylase (ptyalin or alpha-amylase)
The Teeth

Tongue movements pass food across


occlusal surfaces of teeth
Chew (masticate) food
Dentin
- A mineralized matrix similar to that of
bone
- Does not contain cells
Pulp Cavity
- Receives blood vessels and nerves
through the root canal
Root
- Of each tooth sits in a bony socket
(alveolus)
- A layer of cementum covers dentin of
the root
Providing protection and
anchoring periodontal
ligament
Crown
- Exposed portion of tooth
- Projects beyond soft tissue of gingiva
- Dentin covered by layer of enamel

Types of Teeth
Incisors
- Bladeshaped teeth
- Located at
front of
mouth
- Used for
clipping or
cutting
Cuspids (canines)
- Conical
- Sharp
ridgeline
- Pointed tip

Bicuspids
(premolars)
- Flattened
crowns
- Prominent
ridges
- Used to crush,
mash, and grind

Molars
Very large,
flat crowns
With
prominent

REPORTED BY: MARIE CLAIRE DIERON, R.N., C.N.N.

Central Philippine University


COLLEGE OF NURSING GRADUATE PROGRAMS
Master of Arts in Nursing

MAN 621a
Advanced Medical-Surgical Nursing (lecture)
INTERVENTIONS FOR CLIENTS WITH DISORDER OF THE ORAL CAVITY
-

Used for
tearing or
slashing

ridges
Used for
crushing and
grinding

Dental Succession
During embryonic development, two
sets of teeth form

Primary dentition, or
deciduous teeth

Secondary dentition, or
permanent dentition

Deciduous Teeth
Secondary
Also called
Dentition
primary teeth, milk
Also
teeth, or baby teeth
called
20 temporary
permanent
teeth of primary
dentition
dentition
Replaces
Five on each
deciduous teeth
side of upper and lower
32
jaws
permanent teeth

2
Eight on
each side, upper
incisors
and lower

2
cuspid
incisors

1
deciduous
cuspid
molars

5
molars
Mastication
Also called chewing
Food is forced from oral cavity to
vestibule and back
Crossing and recrossing
occlusal surfaces
Muscles of Mastication
Close the jaws
Slide or rock lower jaw from side
to side

ORAL CAVITY DISORDER


Dental Caries (Tooth Decay)
DESCRIPTION
is Latin for "rottenness"), also known as tooth decay,
cavities, or caries, is a breakdown of teeth due to
activities of bacteria. The cavities may be a number of
different colors from yellow to black. Complications
may include inflammation of the tissue around the
tooth, tooth loss, and infection or abscess formation
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY

How dental decay develops


Your mouth is full of bacteria, which combine
with small food particles and saliva to form a sticky
film known as plaque, which builds up on your teeth.
When you consume food and drink that is high
in carbohydrates (sugary or starchy), the bacteria in
plaque turn the carbohydrates into the energy they
need, producing acid at the same time.
Over time, the acid in plaque begins to break
down the surface of your tooth.
The plaque will first start to erode the enamel.
Over time, a small hole known as a cavity can develop
on the surface. This will cause toothache.
Once cavities have formed in the enamel, the
plaque and bacteria can reach the dentine. As the
dentine is softer than the enamel, the process of tooth
decay speeds up.
Without treatment, the plaque and bacteria will
then enter the pulp. At this stage, your nerves will be
exposed to the bacteria, making your tooth very
painful. The bacteria can also infect the tissue within
the pulp, causing a dental abscess.
Tooth decay typically occurs in the teeth at the
back of your mouth, known as the molars and
premolars. These are large flat teeth that you use to
chew food. Due to their size and shape, it is easy for
small particles of food to get stuck on and inbetween
these teeth. They are also harder to clean properly.
Risk factors for tooth decay
There are a number of identified risk factors for tooth
decay, which are outlined below.
PRECIPITATING FACTORS
Diet
Consuming food and drink that is high in
carbohydrates will increase your risk of tooth decay.
Tooth decay is often associated with sweet and sticky
food and drink, such as chocolate, sweets, sugar and
fizzy drinks. Starchy food, such as crisps, white bread,
pretzels and biscuits also contain high levels of
carbohydrates.
Poor oral hygiene
If you do not regularly brush your teeth, you are at a
higher risk of tooth decay. You should brush your teeth
at least twice a day.
Smoking
Smokers have a higher chance of developing tooth
decay as the tobacco smoke interferes with the
production of saliva, which helps to keep the surface
of your teeth clean. Studies have also shown that
passive smoking can also be a risk factor, particularly
for children.
Dry mouth
People who have lower levels of saliva in their mouth
are at a higher risk of developing tooth decay,
because saliva helps to keep the surface of your teeth
clean.
A number of medicines and medical treatments can
lower the amount of saliva in your mouth. For
example:
tricyclic antidepressants
antihistamines (used in the treatment of
allergies)
REPORTED BY: MARIE CLAIRE DIERON, R.N., C.N.N.

Central Philippine University


COLLEGE OF NURSING GRADUATE PROGRAMS
Master of Arts in Nursing

MAN 621a
Advanced Medical-Surgical Nursing (lecture)
INTERVENTIONS FOR CLIENTS WITH DISORDER OF THE ORAL CAVITY

some antiepileptic medicines


some antipsychotic medicines
beta-blockers (used to treat a number of heart
conditions)
radiotherapy
If you are taking a medicine or receiving a treatment
that is known to cause dry mouth, drink plenty of
water and make sure you have a good oral hygiene
routine.
PREDISPOSING FACTORS
Eating disorders
Both anorexia and bulimia can increase the risk of
tooth decay. Anorexia can decrease your production of
saliva, while the vomiting associated with bulimia can
expose your teeth to corrosive stomach acids.
Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD)
Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is a
digestive condition where stomach acid leaks back up
out of the stomach and into the throat. In some case
of GORD, the acid can enter the mouth and erode the
surfaces of the teeth.
MANIFESTATION
Tooth decay can develop over a period of months or
even years without any obvious symptoms. When the
decay begins to affect the dentin or the pulp beneath
the enamel, however, the patient may begin to notice
such symptoms as:

Sensitivity when eating or drinking sweet, very


hot, or very cold foods
Pain when biting on something firm or tough
Pus around a tooth, which indicates that at
abscess has formed
Pain that lasts after the person has finished
eating
Visible pits or holes in the tooth
Bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth
Intense toothache
COMPLICATION
In more advanced cases of tooth decay, the bacteria
can infect your gums (gum disease) as well as the
tissue and bones that support your teeth
(periodontitis). It can also lead to abscesses in your
mouth.
DIAGNOSIS
TACTILE METHOD
RADIOGRAPHY
CARIES DETECTING DYES
FIBEROPTIC TRANSILLUMINATION
ELECTRONIC CARIES MONITOR
PREVENTION
Tooth decay is one of the most easily prevented
health problems. There are several known ways to
lower the risk of dental cavities:
Brushing the teeth after each meal or snack and
using dental floss once a day..
Limiting sweets and sugary drinks like soda or
sweetened tea.
Quitting smoking.

Using a toothpaste that contains fluoride or


having the dentist apply a fluoride solution to
the teeth during a checkup.
Sealants. Sealants are protective plastic coatings
applied to the surfaces of the back teeth that are
most likely to develop cavities. They need to be
replaced every few years.
Antibacterial mouthwashes. Dentists sometimes
recommend these for people who are vulnerable
to tooth decay because of their medical
conditions.
Having regular dental checkups and necessary
treatments.
Avoid frequent snacking and sipping. Whenever
you eat or drink beverages other than water, you
help your mouth bacteria create acids that can
destroy your tooth enamel.

COLLABORATIVE MANAGEMENT
Dental restoration. A small area of tooth decay is
filled with a silver alloy, a composite resin, gold, or
porcelain.
Crown or a cap. If much of the tooth must be
removed, the dentist will drill away the top of the
tooth and replace it.
Root canal. If the tooth decay has affected the pulp
in the center of the tooth and destroyed the nerve
endings, the dentist removes the pulp along with any
decayed portions of the tooth and fills the center of
the tooth with a sealing material.
Extraction. If the tooth is badly decayed, was broken
in an accident, or is likely to cause trouble in the
future.

STOMATITIS
-is characterized by painful, single or multiple
ulcerations of the oral mucosa that appear as
inflammation and denudation of the oral mucosa,
impairing the protective lining of the mouth. These
ulcerations are commonly referred to as canker sores.
Although the terms stomatitis and mucositis may be
used interchangeably, stomatitis is contained in the
oral cavity, and mucositis may be more generalized
throughout the mucous membranes.
Stomatitis is classified according to the cause of the
inflammation. Primary stomatitis includes aphmous
stomatitis, herpes simplex stomatitis, and traumatic
ulcers. Secondary stomatitis generally results from
infection by opportunistic viruses or bacteria,
particularly in clients with immunosuppressive
disorders.

PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
PREDISPOSING
FACTOR

PRECIPITATING
FACTOR

REPORTED BY: MARIE CLAIRE DIERON, R.N., C.N.N.

Central Philippine University


COLLEGE OF NURSING GRADUATE PROGRAMS
Master of Arts in Nursing

MAN 621a
Advanced Medical-Surgical Nursing (lecture)
INTERVENTIONS FOR CLIENTS WITH DISORDER OF THE ORAL CAVITY
hematologic and
immunologic
disorders
gender

infection
food and
medication
allergy
emotional stress
trauma
chemotherapy,
or radiation
antineoplastic
drugs
overuse of
tobacco or
alcohol

Inflammatory
processes
of oral
mucosa
Causes
injury to
oral cavity
membranes
Cells that
are
damaged b
y the
inflammato
ry process
slough off
ulcerated
oral
mucosa

PRECIPITATING FACTORS

drugs or toxic agents (barbiturates, antibiotics

chemotherapy, radiation, lead, mercury, acids,


heavy metals);

trauma from cheek biting,

mouth breathing, or ill-fitting orthodontia;

overuse of tobacco or alcohol;

sensitivity to toothpastes, mouthwash, food


dyes, or preservatives and spices;

poor nutrition

poor oral hygiene.


PREDISPOSING FACTORS
Gender
A hormonal influence has been suggested in relation
to women and aphthous stomatitis. Women generally
have a higher prevalence of the disorder, with an
increased incidence of oral ulceration during the luteal
phase of the menstrual cycle. A moderation or
absence of lesions during pregnancy has been
attributed to increased steroid levels (Peterson &
Baughman, 1996).
hematologic and immunologic disorders HIV or
AIDS.

MANIFESTATION
fever , sometimes as high as 101104F (38.3
40C), which may precede the appearance of
blisters and ulcers by one or two days
irritability and restlessness
blisters in the mouth, often on the tongue or
cheeks or roof of the mouth, which then pop
and form ulcers (These ulcers are usually small
[about one to five millimeters in diameter],
grayish white in the middle, and red around
the edges.)
swollen gums, which may be irritated and
bleed
pain in the mouth
drooling
difficulty swallowing
foul-smelling breath
ASSESSMENT
The diagnosis is made on the clinical history and a
physical examination.
Laboratory tests are usually not needed.
However,Serum albumin, vitamin B12, folate, and iron
levels may be obtained if nutritional status appears to
be compromised. A complete blood count may reveal
the presence of infection, neutrope-nia, or anemia. A
potassium hydroxide slide preparation or a routine
culture and Gram stain can help identify Candida
organisms.
PREVENTION
Herpes stomatitis is an infection that will be carried in
the childs system for the rest of their life. 80-90
percent of the population caries the HSV1 virus.
Preventing a child from kissing or sharing eating
utensils with someone with an open cold sore can
help prevent the spread of infection.
For aphthous stomatitis, certain nutritional
supplements like B vitamins (folate, B6, B12) may
help. Foods high in these vitamins can also help.
Proper oral hygiene is important, as is avoiding acidic
or spicy foods that may have triggered an outbreak.
Another way to avoid an outbreak is to not speak
while eating, as this increases the chance of biting the
cheek. Dental wax can smooth the edges of dental
appliances like retainers or braces. If stress appears to
be a trigger, relaxation exercises can help.
Interventions
Interventions for stomatitis are aimed toward the
promotion of oral health through scrupulous oral
hygiene and careful food selection.
COLLABORATIVE MANAGEMENT
Drugs
Topical anesthetics for pain; antiinfective drugs
(topical, systemic) for bacterial or fungally induced
stomatitis.
General
Meticulous oral hygiene; mild mouthwashes for
comfort; treatment of underlying etiology (stopping
REPORTED BY: MARIE CLAIRE DIERON, R.N., C.N.N.

Central Philippine University


COLLEGE OF NURSING GRADUATE PROGRAMS
Master of Arts in Nursing

MAN 621a
Advanced Medical-Surgical Nursing (lecture)
INTERVENTIONS FOR CLIENTS WITH DISORDER OF THE ORAL CAVITY
drugs,
avoiding
toxins,
refitting
orthodontics,
eliminating allergens); bland, soft, pureed, or liquid diet
if eating is a problem; avoidance of alcohol and
tobacco product.

deposition of
calcium salts
around an
initial organic
nidus
consisting of
altered
salivary
mucins,
bacteria and
desquamated
epithelial cells

SALIVARY GLAND DISORDER


Sialolithiasis
Stones are most commonly found in the
submandibular gland and parotid gland, where stones
can obstruct Wharton's duct and Stenson's duct
respectively. This calculus is a salivary gland stone
consisting of layers of calcified organic matter calcium phosphate and carbon, with traces of
magnesium, chloride and ammonium. Sialoliths are
not related to kidney stones. Most common in ages 30
to 50 years (rare in children)

stagnation of
calcium rich
saliva
intermittent
stasis
produces a
change in the
mucoid
element of
saliva

PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
PREDISPOSI
NG FACTOR
Aging

PRECIPITATING
FACTOR
Dehydration
Decreased
food intake
Medications
(antihistamine
s, blood
pressure drugs
and
psychiatric
medications)

decrease
saliva
production
thickens the
saliva
Salivary
stagnation
Increased
alkalinity of
saliva,
infection of
duct/gland
Physical
trauma to
salivary
duct/gland

gel
produces the
framework for
deposition of
salts and
organic
substances
creating a
stone
MANIFESTATION
pain is often made worse by eating
swelling in the gland
patients may also notice, sand-like particles in
their mouth
patient may also feel a hard lump near their
tongue if the stone is located in the end of the
duct
COMPLICATIONS
Obstructive Sialadenitis (Bacterial Sialadenitis)
ASSESSMENT
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

plain films
Ultrasound- Sensitive in identifying Salivary calculi
CT Reconstruction- Most sensitive for calculi
Sialogram- Demonstrates 80% of radiopaque calculi
MRI-I is able not only to visualise larger stones but
able in many instances to map the ductal anatomy
and to asses the gland

PREVENTION
REPORTED BY: MARIE CLAIRE DIERON, R.N., C.N.N.

Central Philippine University


COLLEGE OF NURSING GRADUATE PROGRAMS
Master of Arts in Nursing

MAN 621a
Advanced Medical-Surgical Nursing (lecture)
INTERVENTIONS FOR CLIENTS WITH DISORDER OF THE ORAL CAVITY
Prevention of salivary duct stones focuses on
increasing the water content of the saliva. The
following measures may be helpful:
drinking six to eight glasses of water a day
massaging the salivary gland after meals to
clear thickened saliva
seeking effective treatment for autoimmune
disorders
sucking on sour candy
using prescription antihistamines instead of
over-the-counter versions

Airway compromise is an important potential


consequence of acute glandular swelling.
Acute sialadenitis can be caused by infection
with cy-tomegalovirus (CMV). The most
common bacterial organisms are
Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus
pyogenes, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and
Escherichia coli. This disorder most commonly
affects the parotid or submandibular gland in
adults.

MANAGEMENT

A. Removal of stone by massage or milking gland


B. Oral antibiotics
1.Augmentin
2. Cefzil or Ceftin
3. Clindamycin
C. Sialologues
1. Lemon drops induce Salivation, help clear stone
D. Maintain hydration with 64 ounces water per day
1. Avoid Diuretics (Caffeine or Alcohol)
E. Otolaryngology for surgical management
1. Indicated if Salivary calculus does not pass
within 5-7 days
2. Sialendoscopy (calculus removal with small
endoscope)
a.
Effective alternative to surgical
excision of calculus
b.
Best efficacy when implemented
early in course
c.
Witt (2012) Laryngoscope 122(6):
1306-11 [PubMed]
d.
Luers (2012) Head Neck 34(4): 499504 [PubMed]
3. Surgical excision of stone indications
a.
Submandibular stones are
accessible to local excision if palpable in
the anterior floor of the mouth
4. Salivary Gland excision indications (if failed
sialendoscopy)
a.
Submandibular hilar stones
b.
Parotid duct stones

PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
PREDISPOSING
FACTOR
infectious agents
radiation
Immunologic
disorders (HIV)
obstructive
lesions such as
sialolithiasis
immunosuppres
sion

PRECIPITATING
FACTOR
Systemic
medications
(phenothiazines,
chloramphenicol,
and
oxytetracycline)
dehydration
NPO status
postoperatively
for an extended
time
malnutrition

salivary
gland
hypofuncti
on
Decrease
of salivary
output

SIALADENITIS

The inflammation and enlargement of one or


several major salivary glands. It most
commonly affects parotid and submandibular
glands.
Intermittent painless unilateral or bilateral
swellings without accompanying signs of
infection may be idiopathic or due to an
underlying condition, such as ductal stenosis
or autoimmune disease.
Chronic sclerosing sialadenitis presents as a
painless unilateral swelling that can mimic
tumours. Biopsy is required for diagnosis.

ascending
retrograde
bacterial
colonisatio
n of the
salivary
gland
parenchym
a through
the ductal
system
accumulati
on of
bacteria,
neutrophils
, and
inspissated
fluid in the
lumen of
ductal
REPORTED BY: MARIE CLAIRE DIERON, R.N., C.N.N.

Central Philippine University


COLLEGE OF NURSING GRADUATE PROGRAMS
Master of Arts in Nursing

MAN 621a
Advanced Medical-Surgical Nursing (lecture)
INTERVENTIONS FOR CLIENTS WITH DISORDER OF THE ORAL CAVITY

structures
Ductal epithelium
damage

accumulati
on of
neutrophils
in the
glandular
stroma

subsequent acini
necrosis

(sialodochiti
s (periductal
inflammatio
n;
microabsces
ses

MANIFESTATION
A persistent foul or abnormal taste in the
mouth.
Not being able to completely open the mouth.
Pain or discomfort when opening the mouth or
eating.
Mouth dryness is a common sign and symptom
of Sialadenitis.
Pus in the mouth.
Pain in the mouth.
Facial pain.
Facial swelling or swelling in the neck.
Presence of swelling or redness over the jaw,
anterior to the ears, below the jaw or in the
base of the mouth.
Fever or chills, signs which indicate infection.
Serious symptoms requiring emergency
treatment include increased fever, difficulty in
swallowing or breathing and worsening
symptoms.
ASSESSMENT

Ultrasound.
Computed tomography (CT) scan.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Biopsy can also be done of the affected salivary
glands and ducts and the sample fluid or tissue is
sent to the laboratory to test for bacteria or viruses.
White Blood Cell count increased
C-Reactive Protein (C-RP) increased
Serum Amylase increased
Gram staining

PREVENTION
Oral health
Adequate fluid intake
COLLABORATIVE MANAGEMENT
Surgical management - Consideration of
incision and drainage versus excision of the
gland in cases refractory to antibiotics, incision
and drainage with abscess formation, gland
excision in cases of recurrent acute sialadenitis
In case of bacterial infection causing
Sialadenitis, antibiotics are used for treat fever
or pus.
If there is any abscess, then fine needle
aspiration is done to drain it.

Warm compresses help in relieving pain


associated with Sialadenitis.
Over-the-counter pain killers help in relieving
pain associated with Sialadenitis.

MALOCCLUSION
Malocclusion is abnormal contact between the
maxillary and mandibular teeth.
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
Occlusion is a term that is used to refer to the alignment of
your teeth. Ideally, your teeth should fit easily within your
mouth without any crowding or spacing issues. Also, none of
your teeth should be rotated or twisted. The teeth of your
upper jaw should slightly overlap the teeth of your lower jaw
so that the pointed ridges of your molars fit into the groves
of the opposite molar.
PREDISPOSING FACTOR
Heredity
- Tooth size
- Arch length and width
- Height of the palatal
vault
- Crowding or spacing
- Overbite and overjet
- Position and
configuration of
muscles
- Tongue size and shape
- Character of the oral
mucosa
Congenital defects
- Clefts of the lip and
palate
- Cerebral Palsy
- Crouzons syndrome
- Cleido-Cranial
Dysostosis
- Cranial Synostosis
Predisposing metabolic
climate & disease
- Acute febrile disease
e.g. measles, mumps,
chicken pox, etc.
- Diseases of muscle
dysfunction e.g.
muscular dystrophy,
cerebral palsy, polio.
- Endocrine disorders
e.g. pituitary, thyroid,
parathyroid.

PRECIPITATING FACTOR
Trauma
Environment
Prenatal
- trauma
- maternal diet
- maternal metabolism &
diseases
- fetal posture
- maternal consumption
of alcohol & drugs
Postnatal
- Birth injuries
- TMJ injuries
- Accidents, fractures
- Avulsion or
displacement of teeth
Diet
- Poor diet may cause
deficiency diseases
such as ricketts, beri
beri scurvy etc.
- These may cause
severe malocclusion
due to interference with
craniofacial growth and
development in
addition to Periodontal
problems associated
with significant bone
loss
Abnormal pressure habits
- Thumb or finger
sucking
- Foreign objects
- Tongue thrusting
- Lip or cheek biting
- Mentalis muscle strain

Manifestation:
Typical symptoms of malocclusion include:
improper alignment of the teeth
alteration in the appearance of the face
frequent biting of the inner cheeks or tongue
discomfort when chewing or biting
speech problems, including the development
of a lisp
REPORTED BY: MARIE CLAIRE DIERON, R.N., C.N.N.

Central Philippine University


COLLEGE OF NURSING GRADUATE PROGRAMS
Master of Arts in Nursing

MAN 621a
Advanced Medical-Surgical Nursing (lecture)
INTERVENTIONS FOR CLIENTS WITH DISORDER OF THE ORAL CAVITY

breathing through the mouth rather than the


nose

Diagnosing and Classifying Malocclusions


Malocclusion of teeth is typically diagnosed through
routine dental exams. There are three major classes
of malocclusion:
Class 1
Class 1 malocclusion is diagnosed when the
upper teeth overlap the lower teeth. In this
type of malocclusion, the bite is normal and
the overlap is slight. Class 1 malocclusion is
the most common classification of
malocclusion.
Class 2
Class 2 malocclusion is diagnosed when a
severe overbite is present. This condition,
known as retrognathism (or retrognathia),
means that the upper teeth and jaw
significantly overlap the lower jaw and teeth.
Class 3
Class 3 malocclusion is also diagnosed when
theres a severe underbite. This condition,
known as prognathism, means that the lower
jaw protrudes forward. This causes the lower
teeth to overlap the upper teeth and jaw.

PREVENTION
Preventing the disorder can be difficult because most
cases of malocclusion are hereditary. Parents of young
children should limit pacifier and bottle use to help
reduce changes in the development of the jaw. Early
detection of malocclusion may help cut down on the
length (and severity) of the treatment needed to
correct the problem.

Treatment for the disorder may also result in some


complications. These include:

tooth decay
pain or discomfort
irritation of the mouth from the use of
appliances, such as braces
difficulty chewing or speaking during
treatment

References:
ec2-67-202-57-88.compute1.amazonaws.com/index.php/
en.wikipedia.org/
www.nature.com/bdj/journal/v193/n2/full/4801491a.ht
ml
www.medicineonline.com/articles/
emedicine.medscape.com/article/882358-treatment
bestpractice.bmj.com/best-practice/
bestpractice.bmj.com/best-practice
online.epocrates.com/u/29341038/
bestpractice.bmj.com/bestpractice/monograph/1038/basics/pathophysiology.htm
l

ASSESSMENT
Most problems with teeth alignment are
discovered by a dentist during a routine exam. The
dentist may pull your cheek outward and ask you
to bite down to check how well your back teeth
come together. If there is any problem, the dentist
will usually refer you to an orthodontist for
diagnosis and treatment.
Dental x-rays, head or skull x-rays, or facial x-rays
may be required. Plaster or plastic molds of the
teeth are often needed.
COLLABORATIVE MANAGEMENT
Most people with mild malocclusion will not require
any treatment. However, your dentist may refer you
to an orthodontist if your malocclusion is severe.
Depending on your type of malocclusion, your
orthodontist may recommend various treatments.
These can include:

braces to correct the position of the teeth


removal of teeth to correct overcrowding
reshaping, bonding, or capping of teeth
surgery to reshape or shorten the jaw
wires or plates to stabilize the jaw bone
REPORTED BY: MARIE CLAIRE DIERON, R.N., C.N.N.

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