Teaching a Dementia Sufferer to Clean Their Teeth
In caring for individuals with dementia, it's essential to adopt tailored strategies that accommodate cognitive and physical challenges while promoting comfort and dignity. Here's a step-by-step guide for caregivers on maintaining dental hygiene for dementia patients.
Creating a Supportive Environment
Establishing a calm and soothing atmosphere during oral care can help reduce anxiety and resistance. Speak slowly, clearly, and use simple language or visual aids to explain each step.
Utilising Modified Oral Hygiene Tools
Caregivers should consider using modified oral hygiene tools such as electric toothbrushes with large, easy-to-grip handles or floss holders. These can improve ease of use and hygiene effectiveness.
Caregiver Involvement
Since people with dementia often lose the ability to effectively perform oral hygiene independently, caregivers should assist or perform brushing and flossing regularly, ideally twice daily.
Short, Flexible Care Sessions
Short, flexible care sessions fit better with attention spans and cooperation levels in dementia, minimizing distress while maintaining regular oral care habits.
Preventive Dental Care
Arrange for routine dental check-ups with mobile or domiciliary dental services when travel to clinics is difficult. Maintain comfort and dignity by using gentle, minimal intervention dentistry principles and monitoring for oral pain or infection signs.
Addressing Oral Health Risk Factors
People with dementia have increased plaque buildup, dental decay, and gum disease risk, which are linked to worsening systemic conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, pneumonia, and further cognitive decline. Be vigilant about these risk factors.
Training and Education
Train and educate caregivers on dementia-specific oral hygiene techniques, stress management, patience, and effective communication.
Establishing Routines
Incorporate oral care into daily routines and use reminders or consistent verbal prompts to improve cooperation.
Safety Considerations
Ensure positioning and technique minimise choking or discomfort risks during oral care.
Brushing with an Electric Toothbrush
- Gather supplies, preparing the bathroom, and positioning the patient.
- Apply a pea-sized amount of toothpaste to the toothbrush.
- Turn on the electric toothbrush and guide it gently to their mouth.
- Start brushing the upper teeth, brushing each tooth surface, the gumline, and the tongue side.
- Move on to the lower teeth, following the same procedure.
- Supervising and following up on the patient's brushing can help ensure a more thorough cleaning.
- Use a small towel to wipe their face, ensuring they are comfortable and dry.
- Turn off the toothbrush after the lower teeth have been brushed.
- Finish the process by praising them for their cooperation and effort.
Additional Tips
- Rinse with a cup of water after brushing the upper and lower teeth.
- Flossing and tongue scraping after every meal can help combat bad breath and cavities.
- Brushing together with your loved one can make the process more appealing and encourage them to participate.
- Installing a bidet in the bathroom can simplify the process of cleaning for the elderly with dementia.
Maintaining good oral hygiene has several advantages for dementia patients, including preventing bad breath, preventing dental issues, enhancing overall well-being, preserving dignity, and contributing to better self-esteem.
