What should be applied to the toothbrush before brushing the resident's teeth?

Applying a small amount of toothpaste to the toothbrush before brushing the resident's teeth is the best practice for several reasons. This approach ensures that the toothpaste is effective without overwhelming the patient's mouth with an excessive amount, which could lead to discomfort or difficulty in rinsing.

Using a small amount allows for adequate coverage of the toothbrush bristles and enables the fluoride in the toothpaste to effectively clean the teeth and provide protection against cavities. It also minimizes the risk of excessive foaming or gagging that could occur with too much toothpaste, making the brushing experience more comfortable for the resident.

While large amounts of toothpaste might seem effective, they can actually be counterproductive, as residents may struggle to manage their saliva and the foam created when brushing. Rinsing would also become more complicated. Water might provide some cleaning benefit, but it lacks the protective properties of fluoride found in toothpaste. A flavored gel, while potentially more appealing, may not have the same cleaning and protective qualities as standard toothpaste. Therefore, a small amount of toothpaste strikes the right balance between effectiveness and comfort.