How do you get a person with Alzheimer's disease to brush his teeth?

I have tried the electric tooth brush and it scares him. Thank you for all your answers and I think the best thing is trying to brush when things are calm and I stand beside him and try to reassure him he is doing something great. Short calm suggestions that work best for now and doing one thing at a time is important. Meaning if I shave him, we wait and brush the teeth a bit later. This is a difficult disease but patience, understanding and love is all so important.

Would it help to get him an electric toothbrush? That way he wouldn't have to move it around as much with his hand and he might get his teeth a little cleaner??

This his helpful and I thank you. There are days I can get him to brush and he does well and then there are days he asks me to brush. Nothing is as good as it should be but every little bit helps. I have tried showing him what to do and again sometimes this helps but not always. Thank you for your help and I agree routine is of great value.

The best way is probably to stay in the bathroom with the person and watch as they brush. My Dad has a set time at night when he brushes his teeth and pees (sorry!) My Mom gets him to the bathroom and watches as he does both. That way she knows his teeth get brushed at least once a day. I'm sure they're not cleaned the way you or I might clean ours, but they do get some brushing. And I think it helps the AD sufferer to know that someone is there watching over them and caring about their health needs! It's also good to have someone there to make sure they don't swallow the toothpaste and that they rinse afterward. My Dad gets very confused and has to ask what to do next. Also, always leave the toothbrush and toothpaste in the same place. Don't move it around. People with AD do much better with routine, and with things always being in the same place. They can become very agitated if things are moved. Hope this helps!