Teeth, Not Just For Smiling

If we have teeth that work properly it is easy for us to take them for granted. Yet our teeth, our mouth, and our entire gum structure play an important role in our health. According to the Mayo Clinic, studies show that bacteria can overgrow in our mouths and lead to pneumonia and heart infections.

Yet when we are dealing with older adults especially those with some type of dementia, oral care becomes difficult. According to dentists we should brush our teeth for two minutes twice a day, floss daily, use mouthwash, eat healthy foods, and schedule regular cleanings. Have you tried working that into a busy caregiver’s day when success is keeping your loved one from falling?

I had a client who kept saying that the food we were cooking was too tough and he would not eat. One caregiver said let’s go to the dentist and sure enough he was having teeth problems. Therefore, it is important to factor oral care or teeth cleaning into your daily routine.

If a person has mild dementia this is the best time to take them to the dentist. If they have trouble getting into a car schedule a handicap transport to help them get to the dentist because this appointment is important. Talk to the dentist about maybe needing more visits. Also, interview different dentists and see if they have experience working with dementia clients.

Since flossing can be difficult invest in a Waterpik. This is a device that shoots a stream of water directly at your teeth and acts like a floss by washing the food particles out. It can be a little messy but is recommended to use it twice a day if the client is cooperative. It does a great job of preventing plaque buildup.

Next, examine the toothbrush. Make sure it is a soft bristle toothbrush. If the client is having trouble with the handle maybe put a tennis ball around it or find a toothbrush with a longer handle. There is also a collier toothbrush that is soft and has a different design and might assist with cooperation. If they do not remember how to brush their teeth, then brush your teeth at the same time and demonstrate each step with them copying you. Allowing them to retain independence, may make them more cooperative.

Do not neglect to try electric toothbrushes. Many of these do the brushing for you and you move the toothbrush around. They are great for preventing plaque and periodontal disease. They also have a thicker handle to hold and might be easier for your loved one to use. They are a little pricier but should last longer and most have replacement brush heads.

You can also purchase sponges that are on a stick and you can use those to wipe or brush their teeth and it might be easier to use. These sponges already have toothpaste on them and you get them wet and brush different areas of their mouth. You may need to use more than one and they can be used more often. They are disposable, therefore, might cost a little more money than just toothbrushes and toothpaste. To me, it is worth the expense to assist people in getting proper oral care. Also if it is difficult to get them to floss you can purchase picks in the toothbrush aisle that have a small fuzzy bristled end and those can assist in cleaning between teeth.

After a person eats a snack, especially one that involves sugar like putting it is a good idea to have them drink water afterward. This helps to wash food particles off their teeth. It would be preferable that they are not eating too many sweet foods as they will add to cavities and decay. I do find that older people though crave sugar and chocolate. Another option is to offer them something like some apple slices after a meal as chewing something crunchy like that will also assist to keep a person’s teeth clean.

As our loved ones age, we do the best we can to keep their teeth healthy for as long as possible. We assist them with brushing, cleaning, and getting regular dental checkups. But as they continue to decline many of these activities may become difficult to perform. That is where the phrase “good enough” needs to replace trying to do everything. Remember to also take time to take care of your own oral health as a caregiver it is important to remain healthy yourself.

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