November is National Family Caregivers Month

Creating an oral health toolkit for caregivers can help ensure that those they care for maintain good oral hygiene and overall health. Here are some essential components and tips for an effective oral health toolkit:

Essential Components

1. Toothbrushes:
   • Soft-bristled toothbrush: Gentle on gums and effective at removing plaque.
   • Electric toothbrush: Can be easier to use and more effective at cleaning teeth.
2. Toothpaste:
   • Fluoride toothpaste: Helps prevent cavities and strengthen enamel.
   • Specialty toothpaste: For sensitive teeth or dry mouth, if needed.
3. Flossing Tools:
   • Dental floss: Traditional floss or floss picks for easier use.
   • Water flosser: An alternative for those who find traditional flossing difficult.
4. Mouthwash:
   • Antimicrobial mouthwash: Helps reduce bacteria and freshen breath.
   • Fluoride mouthwash: Provides additional cavity protection.
5. Denture Care:
   • Denture brush: Specifically designed for cleaning dentures.
   • Denture cleaner: Tablets or solutions for soaking dentures.
6. Oral Moisturizers:
   • Saliva substitutes: For individuals with dry mouth.
   • Mouth sprays or gels: To keep the mouth moist.
7. Disposable Items:
   • Gloves: For hygiene and safety during oral care.
   • Mouth swabs: For gentle cleaning, especially for those with limited mobility.

Tips for Caregivers

1. Establish a Routine: Encourage regular brushing and flossing, ideally twice a day.
2. Be Gentle: Use gentle motions to avoid causing discomfort or injury.
3. Monitor Oral Health: Regularly check for signs of gum disease, cavities, or other issues.
4. Encourage Hydration: Ensure the person stays hydrated to help maintain saliva production.
5. Regular Dental Visits: Schedule and accompany the person to regular dental check-ups.
6. Educate and Support: Provide education on the importance of oral health and offer support and encouragement.

Additional Resources

• Caregiver Toolkit for Oral Health: Developed by the Administration on Community Living, this toolkit provides practical suggestions and guidance for caregivers¹.
• Oral Health for Caregivers: A comprehensive guide covering basic principles of oral health, special considerations for individuals with disabilities, and oral care techniques².

By using these tools and tips, caregivers can help ensure that those they care for maintain good oral health, which is essential for overall well-being.

Always make time for senior oral health care

When an older adult enters a long-term care facility, family members and caregivers need to make sure oral hygiene remains a priority.

Good oral health is essential to overall health.

• Maintaining a healthy mouth helps seniors eat properly and sleep well.
• Removing plaque from teeth before it can enter the bloodstream lowers the risk of blood clots, hardening of the arteries and blood sugar problems.
• Improving oral hygiene reduces the chances of getting pneumonia or dying from it.

If you’re a caregiver, consider compiling an oral health history on older adults you assist. Consider questions like:

• Does the adult wear dentures, and what kind?
• Who is the family dentist?
• When was the senior’s last dental checkup?
• What oral health routines have worked at home with the senior’s family members?

And as a caregiver, consider these tips when assisting an older adult with oral health:

• Always wash hands thoroughly.
• Brush and floss the senior’s teeth every day.
• Dentures should be cleaned daily and removed each night.
• Help seniors avoid dry mouth. Hundreds of medications can reduce the flow of saliva, increasing the risk of tooth decay.
• Check the patient’s mouth for any broken teeth or sores, blisters or lumps.

This information is available for download as an oral health flyer.