I suggest you read the labels on tooth paste. Some say that if more than a usual amount is swallowed to contact poison control. Not all tooth pastes but some.
Electric tooth brush makes caring for someone else's teeth easier. Makes caring for your own also easier. If the person has a problem with spitting or there is a potential of swallowing the toothpaste switch to a children's toothpaste or one with no fluoride. (ingesting fluoride is not good) If there is a problem with a toothbrush there are swabs intended for oral care. the swabs also work well to absorb excess moisture when a person has a problem swallowing. They are also good for removing food after eating from the cheeks and along the lower and upper gums (pocketing) My Husband had dementia and became non compliant with dental care and I felt it was not worth the risk having him go through oral surgery to remove some teeth and fill others. At some point you pick your battles and what is worth getting done and what is best left alone.
Do not put toothpaste on those oral swabs. That's not what they are intended for. Oral swabs are used on people that can't rinse and spit out. While you can swallow toothpaste without it killing you, it's not a good thing to do.
Put some mouthwash on that swab if you must.
An oral swab is no replacement for proper brushing and oral irrigation. But in the lieu of doing nothing, it's better than nothing.
4 Answers
Helpful Newest
First Oldest
First
Tongue scraping and watering would be the easiest solution in my opinion. You can buy a tongue cleaner that only requires one hand.
Maybe baking soda would help.
ADVERTISEMENT
If the person has a problem with spitting or there is a potential of swallowing the toothpaste switch to a children's toothpaste or one with no fluoride. (ingesting fluoride is not good)
If there is a problem with a toothbrush there are swabs intended for oral care.
the swabs also work well to absorb excess moisture when a person has a problem swallowing. They are also good for removing food after eating from the cheeks and along the lower and upper gums (pocketing)
My Husband had dementia and became non compliant with dental care and I felt it was not worth the risk having him go through oral surgery to remove some teeth and fill others. At some point you pick your battles and what is worth getting done and what is best left alone.
Put some mouthwash on that swab if you must.
An oral swab is no replacement for proper brushing and oral irrigation. But in the lieu of doing nothing, it's better than nothing.