Providing assistance to an individual that is mentally or physically handicapped takes quite a bit of patience and skill. Caregivers know how time-consuming and mentally exhausting it can be to provide adequate help to someone with a disability and how difficult it can be to help out with dental care. It requires the caregiver to constantly combat behavioral problems and spend extra time trying to coerce the patient into getting their teeth cleaned. While dental care may seem difficult at times, there are ways of making it easier for the caregiver to take care of the individual.
Instead of requiring someone to be in the bathroom when they brush their teeth, be flexible. Sit at the kitchen table, or on a living room chair and have the toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, a bowl and a glass of water within reach. If the patient is wheelchair bound, sit behind the wheelchair, lock it in place and gently tilt the chair back to brush their teeth. Adequate lighting is important to see inside the person’s mouth, sit by a window or simply turn the light on.
Dental care and visiting a Dental Office Kohala may be scary to people, especially those that don’t understand it. Ease their worries by explaining and mimicking each action before doing it to them. Allow them to hold a favorite stuffed animal and remember to be extra patient. Most importantly, establish a dental routine to help ease them into being even more comfortable with getting their teeth taken care of.
Remember to brush and floss their teeth daily, gently and thoroughly. If the person has problems swallowing, use a fluoride-free toothpaste or water, wipe their teeth with gauze as opposed to rinsing. Their toothbrush should be replaced every three months. For people that may be able to brush their own teeth with some assistance, consider wrapping the toothbrush around their hand with Velcro or a rubber band. It’s very important for everyone to visit a Dental Office Kohala. Visit website for more information.
Though the patient might be uncomfortable, there are ways to combat that. To help ease them into the situation, bring them for a consultation at the Dental Office Kohala and allow them to meet the dental team and get an idea of the procedure. While bringing a disabled person to the dentist may be a challenging, dentists like Business Name can help make them feel comfortable.
