How Dale's Scrape-n-Suction® stands alone in Oral Hygiene Care

Oral hygiene in healthcare settings is not just a comfort measure; it's a critical component of infection control. The serious complications that can arise from poor oral care, such as ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), for patients in intensive care units (ICUs), aged care facilities, or those who are intubated, underscore the gravity of this issue. Specialised devices like the Dale Medical Scrape-n-Suction® Tongue Cleaner answer this challenge.

Understanding the Category: Oral Care in Clinical Settings

Clinical-grade tongue cleaners are designed to meet stringent infection control standards and integrate with hospital suction systems. Their primary goal is to remove biofilm and secretions from the tongue, reducing bacterial load and minimising aspiration risk.

The Scrape-n-Suction® Tongue Cleaner is a standout in its field. It uniquely combines mechanical scraping with continuous suction, ensuring material removal rather than displacement, a key factor in preventing aspiration.

Why It Matters: The Link Between Oral Hygiene and Patient Outcomes

Research shows that oral biofilm is a reservoir for pathogens* that can cause respiratory infections. For ventilated patients, these pathogens can easily migrate to the lungs, leading to VAP, a condition that significantly increases morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs.

* Source: BMJ Journals

By incorporating suction into tongue cleaning, devices like Scrape-n-Suction® help to reduce bacterial colonisation, lower the risk of aspiration, and improve oral hygiene in vulnerable patients.

Scrape-n-Suction®: A Unique Design

The Dale Scrape-n-Suction Tongue Cleaner’s unique design scrapes the tongue with suction to remove bacteria and toxins in the tongue’s biofilm during the oral care routine.

• Manual tongue scrapers are low-cost but have no suction, presenting a higher aspiration risk
• Electric tongue cleaners are effective for consumers but unsuitable for ICU or intubated patients.

• Oral care kits with suction toothbrushes are helpful, but do not address tongue biofilm effectively.

The design yields several benefits for health care professionals and their patients.

• Dual-Action Cleaning (Scrape and Suction)
  • The integrated scraping edge with continuous suction effectively removes tongue biofilm and secretions while minimising aspiration risk.
• Reduces ventilator-associated pneumonia risk
  • May help reduce the risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) and other respiratory infections, improving overall patient outcomes
• Compact, Ergonomic Design
  • The curved tip provides easy access, even with an endotracheal tube in place, improving manoeuvrability and patient comfort during oral care.
• Standard Suction Compatibility
  • It connects easily to existing hospital suction systems, simplifying integration into ICU and clinical workflows without extra equipment.
• Medical-Grade, Safe Materials
  • Its latex-free and DEHP-free construction reduces allergy and toxicity risks for patients.
• Single-Use Disposable
  • It's a one-time use design that supports infection control protocols and prevents cross-contamination.
• Gentle, Patient-Friendly Action
  • Smooth edges and controlled suction minimise the gag reflex and enhance patient comfort.
• Regulatory Compliance
  • TGA-approved (ARTG listed), FDA registered, CE marked.

When assessing oral suction devices, medical procurement should consider:

• Clinical efficacy: Does the device reduce biofilm and aspiration risk?
• Patient Safety: Soft materials, minimal gag reflex, ET tube compatibility.
• Ease of Use: Ergonomic design, quick setup, integration with suction systems.
• Infection Control: Single-use or sterilisable components.
• Regulatory Compliance: ARTG listing and TGA approval in Australia.
• Cost-effectiveness: Balance between price and prevention of costly complications like VAP.

Frontline Defence Against Infection

For healthcare professionals, oral care is essential frontline defence against infection. Devices like the Scrape-n-Suction® Tongue Cleaner offer a clinically effective, patient-safe solution that aligns with modern infection control standards.

A cost-saving investment

While the upfront cost may be higher than other products, the potential savings from preventing VAP, which can lead to extended hospital stays and increased healthcare costs, make it a wise investment.

If you want to learn more about the Scrape-n-Suction® Tongue Cleaner and how it can benefit your patients, contact Midmed, the exclusive distributor of Dale Medical products in Australia. We're here to help you make an informed decision for your healthcare facility.