Dental Care Every Day

Taking care of someone with a developmental disability requires patience and skill. You know this as well as anyone does. You also know how challenging it is to help that person with dental care. It takes planning, time, and the ability to manage physical, mental, and behavioral problems. Dental care isn't always easy, but you can make it work for you and the person you help. This booklet will show you how to help someone brush, floss, and have a healthy mouth.

Everyone needs dental care every day. Brushing and flossing are crucial activities that affect our health. In fact, dental care is just as important to your client's health and daily routine as taking medications and getting physical exercise. A healthy mouth helps people eat well, avoid pain and tooth loss, and feel good about themselves.

Getting Started

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Location: The bathroom isn't the only place to brush someone's teeth. For example, the kitchen or dining room may be more comfortable. Instead of standing next to a bathroom sink, allow the person to sit at a table. Place the toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and a bowl and glass of water on the table within easy reach.

No matter what location you choose, make sure you have good light. You can't help someone brush unless you can see inside that person's mouth. Positioning your body lists ideas on how to sit or stand when you help someone brush and floss.

Behavior: Problem behavior can make dental care difficult. Try these ideas and see what works for you.

• At first, dental care can be frightening to some people. Try the "tell-show-do" approach to deal with this natural reaction. Tell your client about each step before you do it. For example, explain how you'll help him or her brush and what it feels like. Show how you're going to do each step before you do it. Also, it might help to let your client hold and feel the toothbrush and floss. Do the steps in the same way that you've explained them.
• Give your client time to adjust to dental care. Be patient as that person learns to trust you working in and around his or her mouth.
• Use your voice and body to communicate that you care. Give positive feedback often to reinforce good behavior.
• Have a routine for dental care. Use the same technique at the same time and place every day. Many people with developmental disabilities accept dental care when it's familiar. A routine might soothe fears or help eliminate problem behavior.
• Be creative. Some caregivers allow their client to hold a favorite toy or special item for comfort. Others make dental care a game or play a person's favorite music. If none of these ideas helps, ask your client's dentist or dental hygienist for advice.

Three Steps to a Healthy Mouth

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Like everyone else, people with developmental disabilities can have a healthy mouth if these three steps are followed:

• Brush every day.
• Floss every day.
• Visit a dentist regularly.

Step 1. Brush Every Day

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If the person you care for is unable to brush, these suggestions might be helpful.

• First, wash your hands and put on disposable gloves. Sit or stand where you can see all of the surfaces of the teeth.
• Be sure to use a regular or power toothbrush with soft bristles.
• Use a pea-size amount of toothpaste with fluoride, or none at all. Toothpaste bothers people who have swallowing problems. If this is the case for the person you care for, brush with water instead.
• Brush the front, back, and top of each tooth. Gently brush back and forth in short strokes. Gently brush the tongue after you brush the teeth.
• Help the person rinse with plain water. Give people who can't rinse a drink of water or consider sweeping the mouth with a finger wrapped in gauze.

Get a new toothbrush with soft bristles every 3 months, after a contagious illness, or when the bristles are worn.

If the person you care for can brush but needs some help, the following ideas might work for you. You may think of other creative ways to solve brushing problems based on your client's special needs.

Make the toothbrush easier to hold:

The same kind of Velcro® strap used to hold food utensils is helpful for some people

Make the toothbrush handle bigger:

You can buy a toothbrush with a large handle, or you can slide a bicycle grip onto the handle. Attaching foam tubing, available from home health care catalogs, is also helpful.

Try other toothbrush options:

A power toothbrush might make brushing easier. Take the time to help your client get used to one.

Step 2. Floss Every Day

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Flossing cleans between the teeth where a toothbrush can't reach. Many people with disabilities need a caregiver to help them floss. Flossing is a tough job that takes a lot of practice. Waxed, flavored, or plain floss all do the same thing. The person you care for might like one more than another, or a certain type might be easier to use.

Use a string of floss 18 inches long. Wrap that piece around the middle finger of each hand.

Work the floss gently between the teeth until it reaches the gumline. Curve the floss around each tooth and slip it under the gum. Slide the floss up and down. Do this for both sides of every tooth, one side at a time.

Step 3. Visit a Dentist Regularly
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Your client should have regular dental appointments. Professional cleanings are just as important as brushing and flossing every day. Regular examinations can identify problems before they cause unnecessary pain.

As is the case with dental care at home, it may take time for the person you care for to become comfortable at the dental office. A "get acquainted" visit with no treatment provided might help: The person can meet the dental team, sit in the dental chair if he or she wishes, and receive instructions on how to brush and floss. Such a visit can go a long way toward making dental appointments easier.

Prepare for Every Dental Visit: Your Role

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Be prepared for every appointment. You're an important source of information for the dentist. If you have questions about what the dentist will need to know, call the office before the appointment.

• Know the person's dental history. Keep a record of what happens at each visit. Talk to the dentist about what occurred at the last appointment. Remind the dental team of what worked and what didn't.
• Bring a complete medical history. The dentist needs each patient's medical history before treatment can begin. Bring a list of all the medications the person you care for is taking and all known allergies.
• Bring all insurance, billing, and legal information. Know who is responsible for payment. The dentist may need permission, or legal consent, before treatment can begin. Know who can legally give consent.
• Be on time.

Source link:.http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/