Chewable Gummy Offers New Oral Care Solution for Dementia Patients

A new chewable vitamin gummy, Dentablue, is set to launch at the end of October, offering a novel approach to maintaining oral hygiene for individuals with dementia. Developed by Molly Baldini, a former NHS dementia service manager, the product addresses the challenges many people with dementia face with traditional tooth brushing.

Dementia can impair cognitive functions, making multi-step tasks like brushing teeth difficult. This can lead to distress for both the individual and their caregivers, sometimes resulting in oral care being deprioritized. "People with dementia were going without oral care and I was angry there was no alternative – I felt I had to create something," Baldini stated.

The peppermint-flavored Dentablue gummy is designed to be chewed and swallowed, taking only seconds to consume. Taken twice daily, the sugar-free gummies contain vitamins C and D to support healthy teeth and gums. The product was developed through the Alzheimer's Society's innovation program.

Natasha Howard Murray, innovation programme manager at the Alzheimer's Society, highlighted the potential impact of Dentablue. "It can take around 15 minutes to support someone living with dementia to brush their teeth – a level of support that can be really difficult given staffing pressures," she explained. "Dentablue offers another option and can help people maintain good oral health while reducing distress, as well as easing pressure on carers, freeing up time for other aspects of care."

Dentablue will be available for purchase on the company's website and the Alzheimer's Society's online shop, priced at £16.99 for a pack of 28 gummies, intended for a month's supply.