Her teeth are a mess and falling out now. I wonder what would happen if I suggested the staff use some kind of sedating medicine so they could get her cleaned up.
I brought her to oral surgeons previously and they said they couldn't do anymore in the office. She won't open her mouth. They said if it gets worse she would have to be hospitalized and anesthesia.
Also it's so sad to see her so lonely. Especially with Covid. Limited vistations and no activities.
It's heartbreaking to see your mom like that.
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I urge you not to have her teeth pulled. Dealing with dementia and sedation is not a good combination. she may not get back to the current "base line" of cognition after sedation. If you did have them pulled the oral care for open wounds in the mouth would be impossible if they are having problems now.
If they can get a swab into her mouth they could try one of the ointments used on infants when teething. It will numb the gums a bit (although it does have an unpleasant taste) that might allow more oral care if the reason she is resistant is due to pain.
As far as the fingernails go if they are bathing her they should be able to do much of the cleaning then. Have they tried cleaning them as she is either sleeping or if they can do some "massage" use lotion on hands and arms that might relax her so they can clean nails.
Here's an idea regarding seeing a dentist. Check around for "children dentist" and see if any have experience with Alzheimer's patients. When you think about it, children dentist probably have their share of youngsters who wouldn't open their mouths.
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