Key Takeaways

Be calm and reassuring in all instances, remain positive and explain to the resident what you are doing.
Restricting sugary food and drink can also help when it comes to dementia patients oral hygiene.
Small routine changes can help to keep oral health up.
If residents do get aggressive, then escalate this to a senior nurse or dentist.

Helping Care for Dementia Residents' Oral Hygiene

Oral hygiene is paramount to keeping your gums and teeth healthy, especially with residents who suffer with cognitive issues and diseases such as dementia or Alzheimers. It can get harder and harder as the dementia progresses for residents to keep on top of routine, with confusion of daily tasks becoming more prominent. These issues may surface as forgetfulness, difficultly holding and using toothbrushes, or just showing no interest in keeping on top of their oral hygiene. There are ways you can help your residents, with patience and small changes to keep oral hygiene a high priority when caring for people with dementia.

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Quick Wins in Dementia Dental Care

The main aim with dementia residents is to keep them as healthy as possible in all aspects, whilst they may be suffering cognitive issues. Here are so quick ways to help get the best oral care for your dementia residents whilst they’re in your care home:

Know the person: This may be difficult depending on staff shifts and number of residents, but if the same person or two people, are available to help a dementia resident with their oral hygiene its often easier and the patient may associate the person with this activity, depending on the severity of their illness.
Positive feedback and encouragement: Give the residents positive cues and encouragement when using their toothbrush or having assistance when cleaning their teeth. This will help to keep the resident calm and hopefully have a better impact on their oral hygiene.
Speak clearly: Avoid mumbling or using words that may confuse residents, short and easy to understand sentences will benefit the situation.
Visual cues: This will help residents see how to use their toothbrush correctly and give them more confidence using it.

Keep your oral hygiene sessions clear and simple, with the least amount of stress possible, to get the best results.

How to Spot Oral Hygiene Issues in Residents with Dementia

There are lots of indicators that can show residents have oral issues, the key is to spot these early so they don't develop into severe problems. Stopping any issues early means less stress on residents in their later stages of dementia, when they may be unable to practice good oral care themselves.

Eating less: A resident with mouth or tooth pain may eat less due to discomfort, this can indicate an issue with their oral hygiene or that they may have stopped brushing.
Swollen face: Having swelling on a resident's face may indicate a tooth infection or gum infection. Spotting this early helps get the correct treatment and stop any infection spread.
Touching their mouth or face: Residents may touch their face or mouth a lot if they are having pain or issues with their teeth or gums. Noticing this early on will help treat any infections or problems.

Obstacles with Dementia Residents' Oral Care

There are obstacles you may face when trying to encourage good oral hygiene with dementia residents, depending on the severity of their illness and if they have any current oral issues. These can be disheartening, but there are ways to help minimise the distress from residents and reach the goal of brushing their teeth.

Refusing to open their mouth: Residents may refuse to open their mouth as they may not understand the situation and become confused. It’s important to reassure the resident, let them know this is normal and will benefit them. Explain to the resident what you are doing and why. If this fails, then come back at a later time to try again.
Biting the toothbrush: Having another brush available to still get into the resident’s mouth and continue brushing will help, if they are biting one brush, try with another.
Sucking the toothbrush: Reassure the resident that you’re not going to hurt them and explain what you are going to do, gentle try to move the brush in circular motions to relieve it and continue to brush the teeth.

In all instances, reassuring the resident will benefit you both. Making sure to be gentle and even stroke the resident’s cheek to relieve them of biting the brush or not opening their mouth. If all the above fails, then returning at a later time is best. If residents with dementia become aggressive, then it’s always best to talk to a senior nurse or even a dentist to see how these issues can be overcome.

Advice & Tips for Proper Oral Hygiene in Dementia Patients

Encouragement

In the early stages of dementia, encouragement to stick to routine and positive reinforcement can help residents to independently brush their teeth. Making sure to not pressure them or cause aggression is key here, it may even require you to brush your teeth alongside your resident. Keep positive reinforcement around good oral hygiene, with a calm environment.

Help Residents Brush

Use a small toothbrush, or even a child’s toothbrush, to make it easier and less uncomfortable for the resident. Show the resident the toothbrush and the toothpaste so they don’t feel panicked or scared about having their teeth brushed. Make sure to support the resident with your hand under their jaw to keep them steady whilst you brush their teeth, it can also help to sit them down whilst doing this. Be gentle and use circular motions to get the more effective brush, especially if residents don’t sit for long.

Keep Sugary Foods to a Minimum

Whilst brushing is important, there are other ways you can help prevent any issues with oral hygiene in dementia residents. Keeping sugary foods and drinks to a minimum is beneficial, and trying to opt for unsweetened hot drinks.

Why Choose Spearhead for Dental and Oral Care Products

For over 30 years, Spearhead has supported UK care providers with dependable products, friendly expertise and responsive aftercare. See how we listen, understand and deliver on our Why Choose Spearhead page, then talk to us about the specific challenges in your care home when it comes to oral hygiene.

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Oral Care Tips and Advice for Residents with Dementia