Has anyone used a water flosser to clean teeth?

[Runner333]

What is a good way to help my husband keep his teeth clean? Our dentist suggested a water-flosser and I looked into them and I was surprised to see there are types that fit onto your shower head. We don’t have swallowing challenges yet but maybe a water-pick wouldn’t be a good idea with swallowing challenges with PSP. I would love to hear any ideas. Thank you for being a great resource for advice.

[easterncedar]

Sorry I don't have any advice. My guy had used a waterpik before his illness, but had given it up and generally was able to clean his own teeth with a brush as well as he needed to all the way to the end. It was the only thing I didn't have to do. I think the pik might have been hard to control.

[Runner333 in reply to easterncedar]

Thank you for your insight!

[Martina_MP]

For my mother with PSP/CBD, we use a Sonicare toothbrush with a tiny bit of toothpaste, and a countertop WaterPik, once a day after dinner. We use a big waterproof bib and hold a plastic basin under her chin. Despite swallowing problems with thin liquids at other times, she doesn't choke with the WaterPik, but she has used one for many years so she is used to it. It's great--in our case, indispensable--for rinsing out all the food debris that she can't clear, and for rinsing after brushing. Other times, for additional plaque control, I use the Sonicare with no paste, just dipped in water or mouthwash. If liquid collects in her mouth and she won't swallow, I wipe it out with a paper towel. Another product we use for plaque control is GUM Soft-Picks, which are used between the teeth. Those were recommended by a hygienist.

We also schedule her dental cleanings every 3 months rather than 6.

She can't close her mouth to cooperate with bitewing X rays, so we were referred for a CT scan. I held off for a while, but since she looks like she's going to stick around, we eventually got them, just to make sure there wasn't anything that might cause pain, since she can't communicate.

Her teeth were always a big priority for her, so we try to carry on with that.

[Runner333 in reply to Martina_MP]

Thank you so much for your advice. It has really helped. I like the idea of going every 3 months too.

[LuisRodicioRodicio]

Hi Runner333!

These are our informations about:

• Dentistry. As Kevin said: “Get as much dentistry done as possible. It is highly likely that your loved one will eventually have difficulty opening their mouth. If their teeth are good then you won't be facing full anaesthetics for a tooth extraction, or fillings”.

From the beginning we used an electric toothbrush quite successfully.

• Over time the cleaning of teeth with an electric brush becomes very difficult. Rinse the mouth is also a challenge presenting a tendency to swallow the liquid generating coughs and choking.

When the classic tooth cleaning system fails we have adopted a very soft bristle

brush (for surgery, brand VITIS) and a special toothpaste for the care of the gums

that produces little foam. To this paste without foam we add a little paste

containing Chlorhexidine.

To clean the mouth we have discarded the brushes that produce a jet of

water under pressure because, very often, they produce coughs and choking.

Hoping to be useful.

Hug and luck.

Luis

[Runner333 in reply to LuisRodicioRodicio]

Thank you Luis. I am worried that the water flosser with a jet of water would cause more problems.

[bazooka111 in reply to LuisRodicioRodicio]

Always love your responses ☺️

[LuisRodicioRodicio in reply to bazooka111]

Thank you.Hug.

Luis

[Sawa]

Hi, we never used a waterpik, but improvised with a syringe (minus the needle). I used to help hubby brush with an electric toothbrush. Afterwards, I'd have a cup with warm water and some mouthwash, draw that into a syringe and squirt where required to rinse his mouth out (at that stage, he wasn't really opening his jaws much anymore). As with Martina above, a big rubber bib and basin was used, as he couldn't spit out, so the water would dribble out on its own onto the bib and then into the basin.

I also got some of those soft dental rubber toothpicks with little 'nubs' on the end, and would use those a couple of times a week to clean out the spaces between his teeth.

Good luck!

[Runner333 in reply to Sawa]

Thank you that is very helpful. A syringe would be much less forceful than a water pic.

[Stephanielayell82]

Yes I wouldn't hesitate to use water pic we do and swallowing is a huge challenge. But her natural instincts is to use her tounge against nozzle so she dosen't get choke. And moves her hands when she is done. And we also put mouth wash in water pic to help. Good luck

[Runner333]

Get ideas. Thank you for your advice!