Yes, Mom who has dementia (I don't know what stage) is constantly flossing, using her waterpik, as well as toothpicks on her remaining natural lower teeth to the point where I have seen blood on the floss. She believes that food is stuck in between some teeth.
I have taken her to an oral surgeon (she needed to have a tooth extracted) and I had a private talk with the doctor and he told me that after examining the rest of her teeth that no way can food get stuck and he recommended that she be put on Prozac.
I am used to hearing about how food is stuck in her teeth everyday and I just say rinse your mouth. I nicely try to explain to her that it's not necessary to keep flossing and using her waterpik but she does it anyway.
Tomorrow (weather permitting) she has an app't with her M.D. and I will try to talk to him about this. I really dislike the idea of my Mom taking an anti-depressant as she is sensitive to meds.
Any thoughts? Thanks, Jenna
The obsessions can drive us crazy. My mother applies lotion to her hands every few minutes. Almost every time I see her when she is awake, she is massaging it into her hands. She says the skin is dry and I can't talk her into stopping. Fortunately, the lotion is not harmful -- at least I hope it's not. Flossing to the point of bleeding, though, can be. I hope you can find a good substitute while your mother is going through this phase.
I would try the meds, you can ask to start with just half the normal starting dose and see how she reacts.
My Mom was never the obsessive type and I wonder if dementia has something to do with this? Or maybe Mom is just bored and depressed? At 91 she does not have a life anymore. Between my Aunt (who lives far away) and myself we are going to get my Mom to start going to the Adult Senior Center at least once a week where there are activities and hopefully she can make some friends.
JessieBelle, that's a great idea about getting a mouthwash (that has magical properties). I try not to let my Mom's obsession bother me too much as I really believe she can't help it and that it's part of her dementia and depression.
I am willing to try the meds and see how she reacts to a very low dose. Mom is very depressed and I can't fix everything. Darn, don't they make magic wands for caregivers? :-)
Thanks, Jenna