Caregiving and oral health
It takes a special person to be a caregiver. Tending to the physical and emotional needs of someone else requires daily dedication and a diverse set of emotional and physical skills, from empathy and patience to cooking and doctor appointments, and caring for someone’s oral health.
Assisting with oral health
Caring for someone else’s dental needs every day is an important job that can greatly improve that person’s quality of life.
To help with twice daily brushing:
-
Find a clean, sanitary area to brush the teeth. (It doesn’t have to be the bathroom.)
-
Before you begin, wash your hands and put on disposable gloves.
-
Find a position that provides a good view of the inside of the mouth.
-
Be mindful of any difficulties with swallowing.
-
Gently brush each tooth using a soft-bristled toothbrush and no more than a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.
-
Help the person rinse with plain water. If that is not possible, sweep the mouth with a finger wrapped in gauze.
-
Follow any specific instructions provided by the person’s dentist.
If the person you are caring for can brush their own teeth with assistance, do what you can to offer support. This could include guiding the toothbrush, purchasing a large-handled toothbrush, or modifying the toothbrush handle yourself to make it larger, or even affixing a Velcro strap to the toothbrush so it is easier to hold
To help someone with daily flossing:
-
Still wearing disposable gloves, wrap an 18-inch piece of floss around the middle finger of each hand.
-
Hold the floss between your thumb and index finger.
-
Position the floss between two teeth, curving it into a C-shape and pressing tight against one tooth. Then, slide the floss up and down the tooth and root surface, going just under the gumline.
-
Repeat this process to clean both sides of each tooth.
-
Between each tooth, slightly adjust the floss in your hands in between each tooth so you are always using clean floss.
Assisting someone with daily flossing can be difficult, but it gets easier with practice. If necessary, speak with the person’s dentist about a floss holder or another solution to any challenges you may experience.
If the person you’re assisting wears partials or dentures:
-
Clean them twice a day.
-
Take dentures out before sleeping.
-
Store them in a cup of water when they are not being worn.
-
Speak with your dentist or dental hygienist about caring for the dentures.
Visiting the dentist
Caregiving can also include taking someone to the dentist for regularly scheduled cleanings and any other necessary appointments that may also require a few special considerations. To prepare for a dentist visit as a caregiver:
-
Gather insurance details and other necessary information.
-
Be ready to discuss the dental and medical history of the person you’re caring for.
-
Bring a list of any medications taken by the person you care for, as well as any allergies they may have.
Your dentist can also recommend a fluoride rinse to prevent cavities or a chlorhexidine rinse to reduce risk of gum disease. Speak with your dentist about whether this may be useful or necessary as you provide care.
Interested in oral health benefits for you, your family, or someone you care about? Review Delta Dental’s plans for individuals, families, and retirees.
Cheers to the caregivers
Whether you’re a loved one or a professional caregiver, tending to the daily and oral health needs of another person is an important job. By working together with that person’s dentist, physician, and other professionals, you can tailor your care to their specific needs.