How can I clean my wifes teeth when she has Dementia?!
Question: How do you clean someons teeth when they have Dementia and can't do it themsleves and won't let you do it for them, need to keep bacteria down in the mouth.
Answers: How do you clean someons teeth when they have Dementia and can't do it themsleves and won't let you do it for them, need to keep bacteria down in the mouth.
wait until she is asleep as the mouth will be relaxed, just use a dry brush and a tiny ammount of tooth paste to limit foaming.Ask your dentist for a prescription for 'duraphat 5000' tooth paste as its high in fluoride and will hopefully limit any risk of tooth decay. hope this helps.
Good luck and well done for the care and attention you are giving her.As a dental hygienist i see many adults with mental health problems and their mouths are totally neglected.
You ask your Doctor for an idea or two...and, by the way, I think you're a wonderful husband! KJL
false teeth does the trick.
Make a game of cleaning her teeth like you would a child promising a reward afterwards. Be patient I know it is difficult but it will pay of in the end. Get in touch with a dementia support group in your area and involve family and friends. Just stick in there.
Kudos Ken, ur doing a grrrr8 job. You are not only a caring husband but a very affectionate man. Your wife is so lucky to have you.
Try giving her apples and carrots, natural cleansers for the mouth.
You will have to show her how to clean most of the time.
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Good Luck
i agree with most of the other yahoo answerers.
use natural cleansers like apples and cheese.
Also be aware that most medications have a side effect which is decreased saliva in the mouth.
Any sugar in the mouth will take longer to wash away. Make sure her diet is low in sugar. Cut out the daily candy and soda. Dilute the juice. Save the sweets for rewards or bribes.
Tooth decay prevention is your best plan. If it's difficult to brush her teeth, follow each meal or snack with water. Try brushing her teeth with a spin brush.
if she can spit without swallowing, try over-the-counter ACT flouride rinse at night.
Also you may need to increase the frequency of your recalls with your dentist. Every 6 months is usually for healthy individuals able to take care of their teeth. You may need to increase to every 4 or every 3 months.
You're a great husband. Keep it up!
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