Suggestions on best methods for teeth hygiene?

I agree with others to see a dentist or periodontist as soon as possible.

Being able to use a water flosser is helpful after each meal. I myself would stop flossing his teeth. Curious, is he able to gargle, or would he swallow the mouth wash (a non-alcoholic mouth wash of course)? If unable to grasp gargling, then no to that idea. Xylitol mints after each meal & drinks are helpful too.

I don't know the exact answer--I do know generally what colloidal silver is used for. The periodontist will prescribe a prescription mouthwash that has an antimicrobial effect. I do not think colloidial silver would help once there is an infectious disease process going on. Getting to the periodontist quickly is quite important at this point. A serious gum disease can have effects elsewhere in the body!

Cheri1: He needs to see a periodontist before any more damage is done.

We’re having same problem. Not yet to gum disease. I’m thinking of seeing a hygienist monthly to compensate for lack of brushing. Anyone done this?

Your husband needs to see a Periodontist, not a dentist. But I'm sure he'd need to be sedated for the gum surgery that's normally required to remove and stitch up the diseased gums. Afterward you can help him maintain proper oral hygiene within reason.

The surgery may or may not be a good idea depending on how far along dh is into his dementia diagnosis. A consultation with the Periodontist should be useful.

Good luck.

I am with Alva. I had gum desease and had to have surgery. My gums showed no signs of the desease but I had the bad breath and serious damage to the bone under my gums. Your husband is passed flossing. He needs to see a dentist. I hope a good cleaning and maybe antibiotics help. The bacteria formed eats away at the bone. This means his teeth will start falling out. The damage can happen quickly so get him to a dentist ASAP.

He may have gingivitis

Too late for flossing. You are looking at severe gum problems. This can lead to sepsis and even death. Please see a dentist at once. He may need specialist, some minor anesthesia and a deep cleaning AFTER a course of antibiotics. So sorry you are dealing with this. Floss will only irritate at this point. A good antiseptic rinse better until you see the dentist.

Use the water pic, if he can do that it is almost as good as regular flossing. Between brushing and the water pic it should be sufficient.

I would encourage you to have him use collidial silver as a rinse and swallow to help with the bleeding and swelling, that should handle the smell as blood in our mouths is an icky smell.