My husband (PSP) bites down on the toothbrush when we are trying to brush his teeth making it very difficult to get this done. At times, it's hard to get him to open his mouth enough to get it out. Sensory issue? Anyone else experienced this.
Many thanks,
Teresa
A very common problem, I'm afraid. I don't know what causes it, but it doesn't seem to be something the patient can truly control. You can try to brush only the outer surfaces, or use a peroxide mouthwash or water-pic, if he can still spit, Tooth brushing may ultimately become something you decide not to worry about.
My darling broke 3 electric toothbrushes by biting them. The Hospice recommended using a small child’s brush and I used to gently brush when he dozed off with him mouth open. I never used mouthwashes in case he swallowed and choked but did use a peppermint breath freshener spray after cleaning with a wet toothbrush, no toothpaste. I think mouth care is important as infection can cause huge problems. My husband had to have a wisdom tooth out and his mouth had to be opened forcibly and clamped open while it was pulled out. I stayed with him and it was so distressing for both of us. He was unable to tell me where he was getting pain but I knew it was somewhere. Eventually I smelt it and asked him if it was a tooth and his thumb went up. He was allergic to antibiotics so extraction was the only cure. After that, I managed to clean his teeth daily but it took a lot of time, care and patience.
Best wishes.
XxxX is
Thank you.
My hubby bites down when I brush his teeth too!! iI use oral swab toothbrushes they are like a small blue sponge on the end of a stick, I order them online!!
He also needed to have a tooth out and tried to do it in the chair but couldn’t open his mouth wide enough to extract so they put him under anesthetic!!
We also use a small amount of gum care gel,have to be careful with excess moisture in his mouth cause risk of choking is so high!! I also use children’s mouth wash because it’s not as strong just dip the oral sponge brush in it and go around gum and tongue area...
Thank you.
Get a battery operated one. That helps a bit. But like everyone says it’s a struggle
Cuttercat
Yes, have both manual and battery powered, bites both. Thank you!
Yes, W does exactly the same. I ask him to say a big loud 'A' and this gets his mouth opened. Also his dentist has prescribed Colgate Duraphat 2800 Fluoride Toothpaste and told him not to rinse after cleaning but just to spit out any excess.
Thank you.
My wife Mary who has PSP is also known as the destroyer of straws!! We have tried all sorts, plastic, silicone, paper and even tried metal but stopped these because we thought they would ruin her teeth or she would swallow the silicone sheath which surrounds the tip. I joke with her when she has her mouth clenched shut that I will have to press the open switch and press her gum gently and she opens her mouth sufficiently to release the straw. I now buy large boxes of straws!!
My mum used to do the same thing. You can buy something called a bedi shield from Amazon, it is used specifically for this purpose. It enables you to clean the teeth safely for him and yourself. Hope this helps.
Thank you for that tip!
I first insert silicone handle of our noodles serving spoon, which is quite thick, and hold it on one side of the mouth, while the other side is brushed with plain mouthwash liquid on the brush. Then I repeat this for the other side. Finally I wipe out the teeth with a cotton bud dipped in fresh lime juice. No spitting required. The lime juice prevents the formation of thrush on the gums, tongue and roof of the mouth. This can be done after every meal/ intake of food.
John is always biting on cutlery etc and I just let go and then he soon opens his mouth enough to remove it xx
Yes Kathy does the same thing , you have to be quick brushing her teeth
It could be the muscle control from the brain , unable to hold the mouth
open ..... Peter
I Think that Bhathan's method makes sense.
Thank you all for your responses and tips. Seems we are not alone......
Good day! I too have that problem with my hubby Ray. Ray likes to chew his brush too so I go through a new head/brush for his electric toothbrush every month. I guess after reading this it is common. Ray doesn't have any upper teeth anymore due to injuries & decay so he only has his bottom teeth so I am vigilant in keeping them clean. Yes, he chews on the brush but, I believe that since he is no longer chewing (mostly pureed foods & liquid thickened) his upper gums might need stimulation. I only imagine that if you don't have your upper teeth that your gums might need some kind of rubbing (circulation?) to keep them in good order. Thank God for you taking care....
Thank you.
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