Oral hygiene must be provided to patients at least how often?

Providing oral hygiene to patients daily is essential for maintaining their overall health and well-being. Regular oral care helps prevent oral diseases such as gingivitis and dental caries, which can lead to more severe health complications, particularly in vulnerable populations such as nursing home residents. Daily oral hygiene routines support the residents' dignity and comfort, encourage eating and hydration, and reduce the risk of aspiration pneumonia due to aspiration of food particles or bacteria from poor oral health. Additionally, daily care is vital in settings where patients may have cognitive impairments and may not perform oral hygiene independently. Adhering to this practice is part of the standard of care and reflects both ethical responsibilities and regulations governing nursing home care.