It doesn’t only take a reassuring smile and hug to keep your dementia patient’s oral health up to par. It takes proper hygiene and oral care products that will specifically help those with dementia or Alzheimer’s.
Top Oral Care Products For Dementia Patients
Toothbrush – OK. This may sound ridiculous to even recommend, but it’s true. I cannot tell you how many times I see a dementia patient, with teeth, use a sponge rather than a toothbrush. This is not appropriate for their mouth as a sponge cannot remove the food that gets impacted between the teeth and at the gumline. Please use the proper brush as follows:
- Adult Toothbrush: For patients with teeth. Be sure the bristles are extra soft and there is a tongue scraper on the other side of the head. This helps protect their teeth if they accidentally bite down on the toothbrush.
- Baby Toothbrush: Great to use for those hard-to-reach places, and potentially because a patient’s mouth may be too small for the adult size toothbrushes. More often, I recommend the adult toothbrush over a baby toothbrush.
- Sponge Lollipop: Typically given out at hospitals, this sponge is great only for those without teeth.
AllDay Dry Mouth Spray – This product is wonderful for patients who have a hard time keeping their mouths wet. Dry mouth is typically caused by medications. The more saliva your patient has, the better. Saliva is a natural cleanser against bacteria.
Xylitol Gel – Also made by AllDay (Elevate), this gel is a toothpaste made of 44% xylitol, has a great taste, and is meant to be swallowed. This has the consistency of toothpaste and also picks up food particles. This is a great recommendation for those whose patients tend to swallow their toothpaste while brushing.
Learn more about Elevate and their oral care products >
Oral Rinse for Dementia Patients
Learn More about Closys products >
Alcohol-free • Dye-free • Triclosan-free • Sulfate-free • Gluten-free, CloSYS Sensitive Mouth Oral Rinse provides these benefits:
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Ideal for solution for sensitive mouths– naturally activated & pH balanced because your mouth is a sensitive place.
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Fresh & clean without pain & irritation– Reduces bad breath for a noticeably cleaner and fresher mouth.
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Bad Breath –CloSYS is the first mouth rinse awarded the ADA Seal* for reducing bad breath. Not a cover-up.
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Water Piks-CloSYS is great added to your oral irrigator. Dilute up to no more than 10 parts water to 1 part CloSYS.
Brands we believe in
Vetted and advocated for by Dr. Kauffman, CEO of Geriatric House Call Dentistry. Click on the links below to learn more:
