Follow
Share
Find Care & Housing
Just one suggestion in the mouth dude not Alzheimer’s- are you sure their teeth/dentures aren’t loose
if elderly lose weight their mouth will shrink causing denture issues-you can buy denture fix - you wash n thoroughly dry dentures then as per obstructions you fit them in dentures and press -
id speak to mothers doctor tho before anything
is your mother sleeping in dentures ?
Helpful Answer (0)
Reply to Jenny10
Report

Check with her doctor to see if an occasional magnesium supplement would be okay for her.
A local dentist once published something in the newspaper here about tooth grinding and clenching being related to low magnesium. Alternatively, a magnesium chloride oil or spray rubbed on the jaws, neck, temples could be helpful. The best forms of magnesium to take orally would be magnesium citrate, magnesium glycinate, or magnesium malate. Magnesium containing foods are pumpkin seeds, oats, leafy greens. Magnesium is known to promote muscle relaxation. Maybe she will tolerate some of the suggestions above. I cannot imagine she would tolerate being fitted with nightguard by a dentist or wear it every night. Best wishes and prayers for you both.
Helpful Answer (1)
Reply to Pjdela
Report

As someone who had used night guards and invisalign, I cannot recommend using either. With a cheap night guard you have to heat it and make sure it fits tightly. Invisalign is uncomfortable and costs around $5,000 and they are essentially a new age braces. A dentist can make a good night guard, by making molds or scans the mouth with a new technology. however they are not cheap - the cost is close to $1,000. In addition to choking hazards, they are easily lost or broken and the person wearing them must have the wits to use them.
Helpful Answer (1)
Reply to BarbsSister
Report
Caregiveronce Dec 13, 2025
That's why I said, " something like invisilign," not invisilign.
(0)
Report
I am so sorry. Try something like invisilign that snaps in your teeth. It is difficult to remove. Maybe something like that would help? I know some people order these things through the mail.
Helpful Answer (0)
Reply to Caregiveronce
Report
Fawnby Dec 12, 2025
Invisalign is expensive and is used to realign teeth. It’s an orthodontic treatment and requires changing out the aligners every week. It can be quite uncomfortable, and someone with dementia wouldn’t understand the scanning with a phone apparatus that must be done every week.

There are companies that offer retainers and night guards that will keep teeth in their current alignments. They’re less likely to be uncomfortable. BUT such appliances must be manufactured according to scans or molds during which the patient must remain still with sloppy plaster or other molding material in their mouths.

As a family caregiver, I can’t imagine any of my family members with dementia being able to tolerate such a process or the dental appliance. I have used Invisalign myself. One needs to be motivated.
(0)
Report
If she’s in the late stages, there are going to be many more problems in addition to this. Please, for her sake and yours, place her soon. She deserves professional care now. I wish you luck in overcoming your reluctance to do so and in finding the right facility for her.
Helpful Answer (2)
Reply to Fawnby
Report
Caregiveronce Dec 13, 2025
I said "like invisilign " not invisilign. I know mine stay put very well!
(0)
Report
See 1 more reply
mouthguard
Helpful Answer (1)
Reply to brandee
Report

Harry, I've read your previous inquiries.
Do you mean it's bound to aggravate you? You've been on this journey now a long time! And months ago, friends on this forum suggested memory care for your wife. You are still hanging in there, afraid to let go.
Late stages of Alzheimer's means your wife is not getting better, and is nearer the end of this long suffering.
I agree with the suggestion to get a mouth guard for her, if she can wear it successfully.
I'm so sorry you and your wife have been doing this for so long. It must be frustrating for both of you. Please continue to keep us updated and to contribute, as you have so much experience.
Helpful Answer (1)
Reply to CaringWifeAZ
Report

Discuss with dentist. I would be worried about mouth guards in the elderly both from choking hazard to airway protection to loss. But tooth grinding will lead to problems if severe enough. Also discuss with her MD this issue and as if there is any general mild anti anxiety or anti depressant that can help with this almost unconscious repetitive situation.
Helpful Answer (3)
Reply to AlvaDeer
Report

Dear Harry, things are not going well with your or your wife. Your profile says that you are ‘having more problems dealing with it, are... more depressed most of the time, and ...feel sorrier for myself (and guilty) every day’.

There may be very little you can do for your wife, more than what you have already been doing for such a long time. Chances are that the tooth problem isn't really solvable. Put as much emphasis as you can on helping YOURSELF. That will be good for both of you, and it’s important to keep it together so that the rest of your life will eventually be worth living. Best wishes, Margaret
Helpful Answer (2)
Reply to MargaretMcKen
Report

Thanks, pretty much my thoughts too.
Helpful Answer (0)
Reply to Harrylcnm
Report

If at all possible, get her to a dentist for a mouth guard. IF she'd wear it, it would prevent tooth loss.

It may not be possible, however and you'll just have to let the chips fall where they might. I'm so sorry you're both dealing with this.

Best of luck.
Helpful Answer (1)
Reply to lealonnie1
Report

Ask a Question
Subscribe to
Our Newsletter