She now needs 3 teeth removed. Dentist suggests water pik. I doubt she will let us do that. Any ideas of how to work with this problem. She does require sedation for all procedures including cleaning teeth at dentist office. She brushes her own teeth, but not too well.
Many dentists don't get how dementia patients may not allow you to put dentures into their mouth. And they make take them out, misplace them, refuse to use them, etc. They just don't get it. It sounds like he doesn't understand how a dementia patient may not allow a water pik either. Still, I might try one. I found something called a water flosser at CVS for under $12.00. It doesn't have a lot of pressure, which is a good thing for a dementia patient. If it's not too strong she might allow you to use this on her. I would create some story that it's a long straw and there is lemonade inside the machine. Find out if her swallowing the water is okay, since preventing that is not likely.
I would attempt it and do all she can handle. I would do the best you can and that's it. Many dementia patients are resistant to assistance with oral hygiene. Don't beat yourself up over it.
Our dentist recommended a water pik for my Dad's teeth; Dad rarely used it. I also bought one for myself and my sig other, and it wasn't easy to use. A few squirts of water in the face makes one not want to use it :P Even with cleaning the device it still developed mold spores, so we threw ours out.