
MOUTH SWABS

There are a range of oral swabs on the market in a variety of colours, the most common and recognised colours are pink and green. Sponge swabs are meant to moisten the oral cavity, help loosen sticky mucus secretions, food debris and thickened saliva. They are not effective at removing plaque from the teeth and gums and should not be a substitute for a toothbrush.
Since 2012 Mouth Care Swabs are on a Medical Device Alert (MDA/2012/020) and their use are banned in Wales following a fatality when the sponge head became detached and dislodge in a patients mouth.
There have been over 800 safety incidents reported since April 2008 whereby the sponge head has come off either because it has become loose or because the resident/patient has bitten down on the sponge.
The green sponges are supposed to have stronger adhesive but we do not encourage their use intra orally as all oral sponges pose a significant health risk. Sponge swabs are not to be soaked as it can loosen the glue and give a risk of choking if the sponge head becomes detached.
“In April 2012 oral sponge swabs of all colours were banned in Wales. The ban took into account a range of concerns raised by nurses and dental teams. The effective method for good oral hygiene is a small headed toothbrush and toothpaste” 1000 Lives Plus Faculty Lead for Dentistry July 2013
