Three Steps To A Healthy Mouth

Like Everyone else, people with the developmental disabilities can have a healthy mouth if these three steps  are Followed:

1. Brush Every Day
2. Floss Every Day
3. Visit a Dentist Regularly

Step 1:Brush Every Day









Angle the brush at the gumline and brush gently.

• If the person you care 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 floride, or none at all. Toothpaste bothers people who have swallowing problems. 
• 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.

Others attach the brush to the hand with a wide elastic or rubber band. Make sure the band isn't too tight.

Make the Tooth Brush handle Bigger.

You can also cut a small slit in the side of a tennis ball and slide it onto the handle of the toothbrush.

You can buy a toothbrush with a large handle, or you can slide a bicycle grip onto the handle. Attaching foam tubing.

Try Other Toothbrush Options.

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

Guide the Tooth Brush
Help brush placing your hand very gently over your client's hand and guiding the toothbrush. Ifthatdoesn't work, you may need to brush the teeth yourself.

Step 2: Floss Every Day 

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

Use a string of floss 18 Inches Long. Wrap the piece around the middle finger of each hand.

Grip the floss between the thumb and index finger of each kind.






Start with the lower front teeth, then floss the upper front teeth. Next, work your way around to all the other teeth.

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.
Adjust the floss a little as you move from tooth to tooth so the floss is clean for each one.

Try a Floss Holder

If you have trouble flossing, try using a floss  holder instead of holding the floss with your fingers.




Step 3: Visit a Dentist Regularly

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.