If you are a caregiver for a bedridden relative, then one of your daily tasks is to take care of their oral hygiene. If you have never cared for another person's teeth, then these dentist-approved oral hygiene tips will help you do so like a professional:

Oral Hygiene Tip: Use Disposable Teeth Cleaning Swabs or A Toothbrush Made for Children

Rather than trying to brush your bedridden relative's teeth with a standard adult-size toothbrush, instead, consider using a smaller child-size one or disposable teeth cleaning swabs. Both options will be easier for you to move around in your relative's mouth and will lessen the chance you will slip with the brush and accidentally cut their gums.

If you are unable to locate any disposable teeth cleaning swabs, you can order a large package of them online or in person at your local medical supply store.

Oral Hygiene Tip: Use Pre-made Flossers or Interproximal Brushes Instead of Dental Floss for Flossing

Just as your bedridden relative needs to have their teeth brushed, they also need to have them flossed. Since it's hard enough to floss your own teeth, you are likely trying to figure out exactly how to do it in someone else's mouth. Thankfully, you can use interproximal brushes or pre-made flossers to make the task a whole lot easier. Both are widely available at any pharmacy. 

Oral Hygiene Tip: Use a Solution of Antibacterial Mouthwash

Since it is hard for someone to spit out toothpaste while they are in bed and it tends to make a mess when attempted, instead brush your relative's teeth with a solution of equal parts antibacterial mouthwash and water. The solution will do just as good of a job as toothpaste at cleaning their teeth and it won't be harmful if swallowed, like fluoridated toothpaste.

Oral Hygiene Tip: Locate a Dentist Who will Perform Bedside Dental Exams and Cleanings

Finally, it is just as important, or perhaps even more so, that your bedridden relative obtains regular professional dental care just like the rest of your family members. However, you are likely wondering how that will happen. Thankfully, there is typically a dentist in each area who will travel to the homes of bedridden and disabled people to give them a dental exam and cleaning. If you are having a problem locating a dentist who will do home visits, ask your family dentist for a referral. 

Contact a dental office like Brookside Dental Associate for more help.