Eldercare Tips | Caregiver Tips

Archive for July 6th, 2010


Posted on July 6, 2010 - by

HOW TO BRUSH THE ELDERLY CONFUSED PERSON’S TEETH

As with all care issues for a person with Alzheimer’s disease or any confusion, the most important step is to have all of your equipment together before you begin.

Steps for brushing a confused elder’s teeth:

  1. Set out all supplies: toothpaste, glass, toothbrush and towel. (many times the best toothbrush for a person with dementia will be a children’s toothbrush, especially if they are not willing to open their mouth wide enough for an adult size brush –  for the elder who is no longer able to rinse their mouth and spit out the toothpaste, the best toothpaste will be a children’s toothpaste – adult toothpaste is not made to be swallowed – and can be harmful)
  2. Have elder wash and dry hands.
  3. Have elder pick up toothbrush with the hand they normally use and hold the brush for a few seconds to get the feel of it.
  4. Instruct/guide elder to put toothpaste on brush, if necessary put your hand over their hand to assist them in doing this.
  5. Instruct/guide elder using same, your hand-over-their hand technique to bring brush to their mouth.
  6. Instruct/guide elder to brush gums and teeth, help the elder start brushing with your hand over theirs if needed.
  7. Encourage elder to spit out toothpaste. (if you need to sip some water yourself and demonstrate – this might be helpful)
  8. Instruct/guide elder to rinse toothbrush and replace in holder.
  9. Instruct/guide elder to pick up glass and bring to mouth.
  10. Instruct elder to rinse mouth and spit, as well as they are able – once again- if unable to rinse and spit out toothpaste a better alternative would be to use a children’s toothpaste.
  11. Instruct elder to pick up towel and wipe face as necessary

It is important for everyone to brush their teeth in the morning and evening. For the elderly with Alzheimer’s disease, an added benefit to brushing in the evening is that it can ensure the elder doesn’t go to bed with any food left in their mouth. This could present a choking hazard when lying down?

Virginia Garberding, R.N.

Director of Education, The Wealshire, Lincolnshire, Illinois

Author: Please Get To Know Me – Aging with Dignity and Relevance

www.pleasegettoknowme.com