She will also noy allow me or the nurse to do so. I don’t think she understands anymore exactly what we need her to do. She has a full top plate and a partial bottom. She has lost weight and winces when she chews, like her gums might be sore. Any tips or tricks?
I would think sleeping with them in might be dangerous. If they came loose they might be aspirated (a partial) or block the airway (full or partial)
Will she allow the CNA to brush her teeth? If so that might be a way to get her to allow cleaning. Sometimes CNA's can get patients to do things no one else can.
* How old is she?
* Is there a dementia diagnosis? what?
* Could she be medicated to be calm / sedated enough so you / someone could take them out?
* Not much information is provided - is she in memory care? assisted living? Independent living? temporarily? does she live at home?
* Put on a white coat (or someone else) and go in there introducing her to 'her dentist' - the professional demeanor may ... shift her resistance, thinking she is interacting with a professional.
If all this fails, resign yourself to what is. While not in any way an optimal situation, sometimes can can't do everything in the best interest of our loved one. We do what we can.
Gena / Touch Matters
I too had that problem and I started adding salt to the toothpaste to help heal the gums. It does work I use it on myself in fact. I just had a little toothpick shaker and I would sprinkle some on the toothpaste before putting it in her mouth. No she didn’t like it! Lol but that didn’t matter I was trying to help her.
Don’t give up. Keep reminding her how gross her mouth tastes, how yucky food will start tasting, just whatever you can to try to penetrate that stubbornness. eventually she’ll get tire The fighting and you will be persistent in never giving up.
Such are the joys of a caregiver! Hugs!