Dementia Answers: What Is Oral Hygiene?

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Video Transcript [Answer 1029]

Welcome and thank you for joining me. Today, we're talking about oral hygiene, or how to take care of the mouth, teeth, and gums, especially for people living with Dementia.

Good oral care helps prevent tooth pain, gum disease, infections, and bad breath, and it can make eating and speaking easier.

As Dementia progresses, it can be harder for a person to remember or manage brushing and flossing. That's where caregivers can help. Using gentle support and simple steps, try using cueing, which means giving short, clear instructions or showing the task step by step. For example, hand them the toothbrush and say, "Let's brush your teeth now," while brushing your teeth to model the behavior. Use the same time and place each day to build a routine. You can even find videos online and play them to show someone brushing their teeth. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, and brush for about two minutes. Don't forget to clean the tongue gently using the toothbrush or a tongue scraper to reduce bacteria and bad breath.

If the person wears dentures or has implants or bridges, be sure to clean them daily. Remove dentures at night and soak them in a denture cleaner. Check the mouth often for sores, redness, or loose teeth or devices.

Flossing can be tricky for someone living with Dementia. Using waxed string floss or dental tape may expose fingers to injury. Consider a water flosser if you believe that regular floss may be dangerous, but start on the lowest pressure. Fill the reservoir with body temperature water, and use a calming voice and movement, as the jet spray might scare someone and cause them to bite down on the flossing wand.

Keep dental visits up to date. Some dentists are familiar with issues arising from cognitive impairments. Still, others may need a pre-appointment visit to build awareness with the staff regarding how the person may react. Sitting with the person and holding their hand can be comforting if the person is resistant. Try brushing at a more relaxed time or use music and gentle reassurances to calm them. Even wiping the teeth with a warm, damp cloth is better than nothing.

On behalf of the Dementia Society of America®, thank you again for joining me today. Stay informed, stay healthy, and take care of yourself.

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