How can I get my husband with Alzheimer's to floss daily and brush his teeth at least twice a day, especially if he thinks he already has?

When and if I ever get this awful disease, I hope no one makes me floss my stupid teeth. If I can not poop on the floor, and take a shower once in awhile that should be enough.

Thank you all for your very helpful suggestions! I may even use the mouthwash for myself, too.

Nancy-I have gone thru similiar situations as well-and either you or someone-has to step to the plate to prepare your hubands dental needs-and walk him thru it, each and every time. There is no trick remedy to this, sad to say. Keeping a weekly check sheet-may be of benefit.....You can even see what solutions your local chapter of the Alzheimer's Association have to offer, in addition to this great forum.
Best on your caregiving journey,
Hap

oh heck great idea to do the rinse at nightime...thanks for the tip....thats one good thing about these posts...we all learn from each other!!! I bought the store brand of the Crest Pro Health...gonna do the rinse at night as well!!!!

my dad argues he has done it to. I talked with the dentist and they suggested buying breathrx at walmart and having him rinse ,just before he goes off to sleep. I go into his bathroom and pour a small cup for him and just leave it there, Then when he's about to leave the bathroom before bed I say oh I poured your mouth wash for you. Then he uses it. It is an antibiotic moth wash. The dentist says that's better than nothing then it can work all night. good luck it's either this or tie him down and brush his teeth.

Don't know if this will work for everyone but, I started out by mentioning that there was something between the patients teeth, after unsuccessfully trying for eliminate it I offered to help. Within a few days of that I was able to floss, rinse with Hydrogen Peroxide followed with an Antiseptic Mouth Rinse to complete the job. Sometimes these issues take a few days but they need help and you are the only one that can “Git ‘er Done”.

Get a water pik and HELP HIM! Make it a pleasant event, fun even, why he can help YOU first, and then you can help him! A water pik is easier than flossing and more effective if you ask me. (More fun too).

Don't 'tell him' to do it, just lead him to the bathroom, and ask for HIS help. That may work.

Set up a schedule and just lead him.

Oh geez I have a smile ear to ear if I can get my mom to just do a quick brush and a nice rinse with some mouthwash in water. I am thinking about buying Crest Total care..or something like that they just advertised on tv. Don't beat yourself up over 2 times a day.and flossing..I would think that is a lot for a AD patient. Is he doing it on his own or have to be reminded or even helped along with the oral cleaning?