My dad was diagnosed with Alzheimers in 2019 and now lives in a care home. In the last year he has started chewing a lot - bedclothes initially but now he is chewing his fingers. In the last month he bit his thumb so badly that it became infected and he ended up in hospital needing IV antibiotics and then surgery. I understand this is referred to as self-injurious behaviour and we are going to get his teeth checked in case tooth pain is the issue. Does anyone have any experience of this and advice to offer?
Seeking advice on biting
- Thread starter FrancesN
- Start date
Constantly biting and chewing things is rare, but not unknown in dementia.
You can get adult chewing toys which might give him something safe to chew on. I can't provide a link as I'm on my phone. Be careful when asking Mr Google as you might get other adults toys!!
You can get adult chewing toys which might give him something safe to chew on. I can't provide a link as I'm on my phone. Be careful when asking Mr Google as you might get other adults toys!!
