Being bedridden or caring for a loved one who is immobile can be emotionally trying. Completing everyday tasks can be particularly difficult, especially when it comes to oral hygiene. Fortunately, Medical Supply Depot can help! Take a look at these simple ways to keep your mouth healthy and smile bright while bedridden or providing care to someone who is.
Keep dentures clean at all times
Keeping one’s dentures clean and stored properly at all times can lead to great satisfaction for a bedridden patient. Often times, a sink or bathroom is not within distance for someone who is told to strictly stay put. Using a denture container like Medegen Denture Cup helps patients clean their dentures and also safely store them so they know where they can locate them at all times. This cup also adds independence to the patient allowing them to clean their dentures by themselves whether it be on their lap or a bedside table.
Wipe away food and debris from teeth
We’ve all found that dreaded piece of lettuce or meat stuck between our teeth after a meal. Keeping teeth free of food and debris helps to keep them healthy longer and also avoids cavities or other dental issues. A bedridden patient or caregiver can use interproximal flossers or cleaning swabs like Avanos Medical Ready Care Dentaswab Swabs to clean the teeth. Designed with a soft and secure foam, these swabs gently remove debris from teeth and gums.
Provide a toothbrush that is easy to use
For many bedridden patients, the ability to handle objects and hold them firmly can be lost over time. As a result, patients experience trouble holding a toothbrush to brush their teeth. This problem can be fixed with a toothbrush that is easier to hold and has a more flexible grip. Adding a foam ball to some toothbrushes gives it the adaptation the patient needs to handle it more securely. Additionally, investing in a toothbrush with softer bristles like Dukal Dawnmist Toothbrushes prevents any cuts in the gums or other accidents if the patient grip slips while using their toothbrush.
Use mouthwash daily
Not only is it important to brush and floss daily, but using mouthwash can also kill millions of germs a normal toothbrush can’t reach. For bedridden patients, a mouthwash with a strong antiseptic or alcohol might be too harsh for the mouth. Dukal Dawnmist Alcohol-Free Mouth Rinse still does the trick of fighting bacteria in the mouth but is also a better product for sensitive mouths and has a refreshing mint taste.
