Homecare Westwood MA
Some family caregivers find it disturbing when a loved one who always practiced good hygiene suddenly starts resisting brushing her teeth. Your loved one might do this because she is dealing with dementia or even because she’s dealing with physical issues, such as arthritis.
Talk to Her Dentist
Your first step when your loved one is fighting daily tooth brushing is to talk to her dentist. There may be dental issues that are causing pain or discomfort that make your loved one more likely to avoid anything to do with dental care. Beyond that, your loved one’s dentist may have suggestions for techniques or ways you can make brushing easier. Her dentist may also suggest increasing her number of cleanings per year to make up for infrequent brushing.
Try Demonstrating for Her
After a meal, have your loved one follow you to the bathroom and watch while you brush your own teeth. Put toothpaste on your loved one’s tooth brush when you put it on your own and try brushing together. For some elderly loved ones, being able to brush along with someone else can help to motivate your elderly loved one.
Make it a Game
If you can make brushing and dental care fun for your loved one, that can help to keep her brushing, too. You could set a timer and see who finishes last or you might try a version of “Musical Chairs” with tooth brushing. Try turning on a short song and see who can finish after the song stops.
Use Toothpaste and Mouthwash Designed for Kids
Another concern to keep in mind is that some elderly loved ones can forget what toothpaste, mouthwash, and tooth brushing are all about. Your loved one might forget how to swish and spit or might swallow dental care products. Products made for kids might be safer for your elderly loved one to use and they’re less worrisome when you’re in the midst of the brushing process.
Your loved one’s elder homecare providers can also give you plenty of suggestions that you can use to make tooth brushing less of a battle with your loved one.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Homecare Services in Westwood MA, or anywhere in Eastern Massachusetts, please call the caring staff at CARE Resolutions – (508) 906-5572.
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