A nurse is teaching a patient who has stomatitis. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

Choice A rationale Brushing teeth with a soft toothbrush is crucial for a patient with stomatitis. Stomatitis, or inflammation of the oral mucosa, makes the mouth sensitive and prone to bleeding. A soft toothbrush minimizes mechanical irritation and trauma to the inflamed tissues, helping to prevent further injury and promoting healing. It allows for effective oral hygiene without exacerbating the patient's discomfort. Choice B rationale Rinsing with a commercial mouthwash is not recommended. Many commercial mouthwashes contain alcohol or other irritants that can cause a burning sensation and further irritate the inflamed oral mucosa, worsening the symptoms of stomatitis. They can also dry out the oral tissues. The patient should use a non-irritating, alcohol-free oral rinse, such as a saline solution or a prescribed rinse. Choice C rationale Toothpaste that contains sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is not recommended. SLS is a common foaming agent that can be irritating to sensitive oral tissues. It can contribute to mucosal dryness and breakdown, which would be detrimental for a patient with stomatitis. Patients should be advised to use a toothpaste that is free of SLS and other harsh chemicals to avoid aggravating their condition. Choice D rationale Cleansing the mouth with lemon-glycerine swabs is contraindicated. Lemon is acidic and can erode tooth enamel and irritate already inflamed oral tissues. Glycerine is a humectant that can pull moisture from the oral mucosa, leading to dryness. The use of these swabs has been shown to be harmful and is not an appropriate oral care practice for a patient with stomatitis.