She has been seen repeatedly by the dentist, periodontist, etc. but she’s so bothered that, with any mention or food (and it’s quickly becoming difficult to get her to eat without constant reminders to eat), she just talks about how much the food will bother her teeth. We have her using sensodyne and have tried orajel. I have thought of getting a waterpik. I hate for her to be so uncomfortable. Any suggestions? Thank you.
In the meantime, offer her a milkshake and smoothies w fruit to get calories into her body. As time and disease progress, eating becomes less and less with these elders, indicating end of life may be approaching. Then it's time for a hospice evaluation to make sure she's kept comfortable.
Best of luck
People brought him all manner of tasty food. "I can't eat", he'd say sadly.
Doctors came in, poke and prodded. "I can't eat", he told them.
A psych consult was ordered. After a 10 minute conversation, the psychiatrist said, "this man has had a stroke. Get a speech language persons in here stat".
Two things. He had damage to his expressive language center. "I can't eat" actually meant " I can't swallow". He had an impaired swallow reflex.
My mom had a similar issue, post stroke. She kept telling us her throat her, pointing in her mouth. We finally realized it was her NECK that hurt (it's on the other side of your throat, right...)
Your moms brain is now broken and "logic doesn't live there anymore," so I wouldn't waste anymore money at the dentists office, and just help her eat the best you can.
Someone mentioned pureed foods and smoothies which is a great idea.
Also, get a small toothbrush that your mom can carry in her pocket and do a dry brush when her teeth feel dirty or sore. Well, that is what I do.
Another thing is to try out different mouthwashes, inclg non-alcoholic rinses. Try out various toothpastes - maybe she'd like a box of baking soda, as in the olden times.
She was put under for the procedure. Next day she was feeling great. She eats whatever she wants!
See All Answers