Skip to content
CNA SimulatorFree practice test

Mouth care (brushing teeth): CNA skills test steps

Updated · Reviewed against official sources

Raise the head of the bed so the resident is sitting up, put on gloves, protect the chest with a towel, brush all surfaces of the teeth and the tongue gently, help the resident rinse and spit into an emesis basin, then wipe the mouth.

Your state's nurse aide candidate handbook is the authority on exam format, skills lists and scoring. This page explains the general picture and links the official sources.

Steps

KEYmarks 7 steps that candidate handbooks commonly treat as critical. Missing a critical step usually fails the skill.

  1. 1Knock, introduce yourself by name and title, and greet the resident by name.
  2. 2Identify the resident (for example, check the name band or ask the resident to state their name) per facility policy.
  3. 3Explain the procedure in simple words and ask the resident to help as much as they are able.
  4. 4Key step: Provide privacy: close the door and pull the curtain.
  5. 5Key step: Perform hand hygiene before touching the resident.
  6. 6Key step: Raise the head of the bed so the resident is sitting upright to prevent choking.
  7. 7Put on gloves and place a towel across the resident's chest.
  8. 8Wet the toothbrush and apply a small amount of toothpaste.
  9. 9Key step: Gently brush all surfaces of the upper and lower teeth: outer, inner and chewing surfaces.
  10. 10Gently brush the tongue.
  11. 11Help the resident rinse with water and spit into the emesis basin.
  12. 12Wipe the mouth and chin and remove the towel.
  13. 13Rinse the toothbrush, empty and rinse the emesis basin, and store equipment.
  14. 14Remove gloves and perform hand hygiene.
  15. 15Key step: Return the bed to its lowest position and make sure the wheels are locked.
  16. 16Key step: Place the call light and personal items within the resident's reach.
  17. 17Key step: Open the privacy curtain, perform hand hygiene, and report anything unusual to the nurse.

Common mistakes

  • Brushing with the resident lying flat.
  • Brushing only the front surfaces of the teeth.
  • Forgetting gloves.
  • Leaving the resident's face wet or soiled.

Quick answers

How is mouth care different for an unconscious resident?
The resident is turned on their side with the head turned, and swabs are used with very little liquid to prevent aspiration. Follow facility policy and the nurse's direction.
What should I report during mouth care?
Report sores, bleeding, loose or broken teeth, white patches or mouth pain to the nurse.

What to do next

Skills and the written test are scored separately, and you must pass both. Check your written readiness in about 15 minutes.

Take the free 20-question test

Related

Sources

Checked: . Rules, fees and vendors change — always confirm with your state's official page and candidate handbook.