This sounds silly, but does anyone else have difficulty cleaning their teeth since being on a ventilator?

[patchworker]

When I first came home I found putting a toothbrush in my mouth made me gag and retch, I just couldn't do it. I still sometimes have problems after two years.

[Offcut]

I had a similar problem I had a tube in from the traci ( 26 days) and my windpipe connected to my neck skin. If I lifted up my chin it used to pull my skin/scar in and make me cough. I can still pull my scar in if I swallow hard.

[Luckyone]

I had this problem to, I was on a ventilator for 19 days and then had a traci for a further 60 days, I also felt that my jaw was miss aligned and made my teeth grind together.

[dadsdaughter]

I saw a nurse brushing my dads teeth today. He is half conscious and on a ventilator. I insisted on staying while she did it as I became fed up with the way they close the curtains and send the relatives away. I am not surprised you gag after 2 years. This nurse was vicious (no doubt she didnt think so ) and also used the opportunity to put her stiff suction thing down his throat to make him gag and cough and sucked out the water with her horrid stiff suction thing, regardless of his cut and swollen lips.

[Kulta]

I haven't experienced this or other associated symptoms from intubation other than waking up with it in - just horrendous. I wish you well in your continued recovery.

[Hidden]

I can't stand it... brushing my back teeth is a nightmare.