Any suggestions for a toothpaste that is safe to swallow?

LadyTexan

And preferably does NOT foam. How do you manage oral care for someone that is unable to rinse and spit? My primary concern is keep her mouth sufficiently clean to avoid excess bacteria and minimize the risk of infection.

Thanks everybody!

Jgirl57

maybe dip the toothbrush in children’s mouth rinse and brush.

harshedbuzz

Lady Texan—

Look for a toothpaste that is SLS-free; it the sodium lauryl sulfate that creates the foaming action.

The 6 Best SLS-Free Toothpaste Brands of 2024 – NewMouth

Jeanne C.

No SLS and "safe to swallow" - I can't speak to how effectively it cleans.
https://www.tomsofmaine.com/products/oral-care/toddler-training-toothpaste/fluoride-free-mild-fruit

H1235

Children’s toothpaste or chickens mouth wash.

SusanB-dil

There is a baby/toddler beginner toothpaste. Colgate Baby - safe if swallowed. Not sure if it foams, though. but as HB said - there is no sodium lauryl sulfate in it, so it shouldn't…

Lady T - hope you are doing ok… ! Depending on stage, there are also those disposable foam swabs. They are used for PWD and stroke patients, but a little farther down-the-road maybe.

JDancer

I get a special toothpaste from my dentist that is left on after brushing. No rinse required. Clinpro-5000.

Personally, I wouldn't worry about my spouse with dementia ingesting something unless it led to immediate death.

LadyTexan

THANKS everyone! I always learn so much from each of you and I am grateful.

@SusanB-dil I am doing reasonably well. My DH with EOAD, died in April 2022. I now care for my Mom with AD - Stage 6. Interestingly, Dear Mom (DM) has behaviors DH didn't have and vice versa. Which reminds me of the saying "if you've met a person with dementia, you've met a person with dementia" to emphasize that people with dementia related diseases are indeed unique. One constant is that the journey is ever changing. I've been a planner most of my adult life. I am learning to try to stay focused on the current challenge, not what may or may not happen in the future.

I'm not as active on the forum as I once was. Widow-hood has been a tremendous challenge for me. My emotions and moods are easily shifted to the inevitable grief and sadness of this diseases. As a result I have been limiting my screen time on the forum.

Best wishes to all of you caregiver heroes. You inspire me and give me strength. I am grateful beyond words.

Blessings to you all,

LT

LadyTexan

Here's a pic of my DM and my faithful sidekick Hap, along with Moochie the cat.

SusanB-dil

@LadyTexan - beautiful pic.

Yes... ups and downs. Some days more emotional than others. Good you are taking care.

Yes, the general trajectory of 'this' is similar, but mom is so different than MIL.

M1

Great picture LT. Glad to hear from you. I agree with JDancer that you probably don't need to worry too much about her swallowing regular toothpaste. Bigger fish to fry. I wish i could get my partner to brush at all. Not a battle worth fighting at this point.

I am sorry widowhood has been a tough adjustment.

harshedbuzz

Your mom is lovely.

housefinch

Beautiful picture! My daughter with autism uses Hello brand toothpaste—no SLS & they have kids ones that taste great. Available in fluoride and non-fluoride options. I agree, likely low risk but we use a pea sized amount of the fluoride kind and she swallows it daily. I buy it at Walmart or Target.

BassetHoundAnn

This is the toothpaste that my mom's memory care requested that I buy for her:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B018IM45VG/ref%3Dppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1