3-1-1-Communication Techniques

Distraction may be beneficial in many situations while delivering care, some techniques are as follows:

• Singing a favorite song
• Holding a favorite item (blanket, pillow, doll)
• Telling a story or joke
• Watching a TV show
• Other favorite activities as appropriate

Try a few distractions to see which ones work best for oral health care with the person.

It is important to have the person involved in their oral care.  Have the person hold a toothbrush or any other oral care related item as the caregiver brushes the person’s teeth with another toothbrush.

Have the person hold a toothbrush and then have a caregiver place their hand over the person’s hand to guide the tooth brushing.

A caregiver starts an oral health care activity and then lets the person finish it.

Common communication techniques:

• Be patient, respectful, and gentle
• Use the person’s name
• Smile
• Keep eye contact, preferably at the person’s eye level
• Approach the person from the front, moving slowly

• Introduce yourself
• Use plain language and short sentences
• Provide instructions one at a time
• Briefly explain what you are going to do and why you are doing it; repeat as necessary
• Be polite, provide encouragement, and give positive feedback

Breakdown an activity into small steps. Instead of saying, “Please brush your teeth” one should say:

• “Please, pick up your toothbrush”
• “Now, open your toothpaste”
• “Now, add a small amount of toothpaste to the toothbrush”
• “Please, brush your front teeth”
• “Now, brush your back teeth”
• “Now, please rinse your mouth”
• “Don’t forget to spit”

If there is difficulty delivering care, a second caregiver can enter.  The first caregiver may leave or step back.