FAQ

Establish a consistent routine, give simple instructions, and start with small steps.
Learn more by watching the video Reducing Stress During Oral Care

Remember, some brushing is better than no brushing. And brushing doesn’t always have to happen in the bathroom. Watch this video for practical tips on Positioning and Visibility During Oral Care

Aim to brush twice a day—once in the morning and once before bed. If that isn’t always possible, focus on establishing a consistent routine rather than striving for perfection.

Watch this video to learn more: Choosing the Right Dental Products

The right tools can make oral care easier and more effective. Electric toothbrushes, small-headed brushes, floss holders, mouth stabilizers, and adapted oral care devices may be helpful depending on the person’s needs.

Watch the dental hygienist demonstrate these products in the Choosing the Right Dental Products video

For information on recommended products and where to purchase them, see our Oral Care Products Guide

Ask local dental offices about their experience treating people with disabilities, and seek recommendations from healthcare providers, support coordinators, or other caregivers.

For step-by-step guidance, watch Finding a Disability-Friendly Dentist and explore our Disability-Friendly Dental Provider Directory

Sharing information before the appointment can help the dental team better understand the person’s needs and provide a more comfortable experience. Let the dental team know about communication preferences, medical conditions, mobility concerns, or strategies that help the person feel at ease.

To learn how to prepare for and advocate during a dental visit, watch the video, Sharing Information with Dental Staff

Regular dental visits help prevent problems and maintain oral health, even when there are no symptoms. Learn more in the video Everyday Oral Care – Preventing Mouth Problems

You do not have to eliminate all sugary foods and drinks. Instead, try to limit how often they are consumed, offer them with meals rather than between meals, and avoid frequent snacking or sipping sweet drinks throughout the day. And most importantly, use a Fluoride toothpaste

For more information see our video: Everyday Oral Care – Preventing Mouth Problems

The Nutrition Facts label shows how much sugar is in a product. Pay attention to the serving size and the amount of added sugar listed on the label. Learning to read nutrition labels can help you compare products and identify foods and drinks that are higher in sugar.

Watch our video to learn how to read nutrition labels and see what sugar amounts look like in real-life measurements For a demonstration of how to read a nutrition label and understand how much sugar is really in a product see this video: Making Healthier Food Choices

Water is the best drink choice. Healthy snacks such as fresh fruits, vegetables, cheese, yogurt, nuts (when appropriate), and other low-sugar options are generally less likely to contribute to cavities than sugary foods and drinks. We have many great tasting and tooth-friendly suggestions on our video: Making Healthier Food Choices

A small amount of bleeding is often an early sign of gum disease or inflammation. Continue brushing gently with a soft toothbrush, paying special attention to the gumline. If the bleeding persists or worsens, schedule a dental visit for an evaluation and professional cleaning.

For a full explanation from a dentist, watch Managing Bleeding Gums, Ulcers & Dry Mouth.

Dry mouth can increase the risk of cavities, gum disease, difficulty swallowing, and mouth discomfort. Encouraging frequent sips of water and using dry-mouth products may help relieve symptoms and protect oral health.

A dentist explains dry mouth management in Managing Bleeding Gums, Ulcers & Dry Mouth.

To learn more about dry-mouth products and where to find them, see our Product Guide: Dry Mouth Care.

Canker sores are usually harmless and often heal on their own within 10 to 14 days. To reduce discomfort, avoid spicy, acidic, crunchy, or hard foods, use a soft toothbrush, and consider warm salt-water rinses. If sores persist, worsen, or last longer than 14 days, consult a dentist or healthcare provider.

For more information, watch this video.

Refer to product Guide: Mouth Sores and Ulcers

Some clients have difficulty keeping their mouth open or may bite down during oral care. Special mouth stabilizers can help make brushing safer and more comfortable for both the client and caregiver.

To learn about this technique, visit Positioning & Visibility During Oral Care. For information about mouth stabilizers and where to purchase them, see Mouth Rests and Adaptive Devices.

Resistance to oral care is common. Try a different time of day, use a calm approach, and keep sessions short if needed. Building trust and working at your client’s pace is usually more effective than forcing care.

For practical strategies and tips, visit Reducing Stress During Oral Care.