The use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Personal protective equipment (PPE) should be worn by personal carers and health workers

who are performing, or assisting with, twice-daily oral health care. A face mask, protective

eyewear, clinical gloves and a gown or apron should be put on and removed according to

infection prevention and control guidelines.

As the mouth contains bacteria, fungi and viruses, PPE prevents transmission of germs from

the person to the personal carer or health worker. It also works the other way – it prevents

transmission of diseases from the personal carer or health worker to the person receiving

care. As persons receiving care may suffer from more than one chronic illness or condition,

simple measures like PPE play a vital role in keeping these people with weakened immune

systems in as best health as possible.