Navigating Oral Care with ALS
For the dedicated family caregivers of people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the day is often measured in small victories and silent anxieties. You navigate countless challenges with grace and strength, but some of the simplest daily routines can carry the heaviest weight. When a loved one has difficulty swallowing, a basic task like brushing their teeth transforms from an act of care into a moment of fear. This guide is for you. We see the burden you carry, and we understand the constant worry. Here, we will explore why this simple task becomes a high-risk activity due to ALS & swallowing issues and introduce an innovative tool designed to bring safety, dignity, and peace of mind back to this essential daily routine.
The Critical Link Between ALS and Dysphagia

To understand the challenges of oral care, it’s important to first understand the connection between amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and dysphagia, the medical term for difficulty swallowing. ALS is a progressive disease that attacks the body’s
motor neurons—the nerve cells responsible for controlling voluntary muscles. As these neurons degenerate, the brain’s ability to command muscle movement diminishes, leading to profound
muscle weakness throughout the body.
This process directly impacts the complex network of swallowing muscles in the mouth, jaw, and throat. The result is
oropharyngeal dysphagia, a specific impairment in moving food and liquid from the mouth toward the esophagus. This isn't a rare complication; it is a defining feature of the disease. While about a third of individuals experience
swallowing problems in ALS at the onset of the disease, more than 85% of all people with ALS will eventually face significant difficulty swallowing with ALS as the condition progresses.
The Hidden Danger: Aspiration Risk in Everyday Oral Care
When someone cannot swallow effectively, the routine act of brushing their teeth becomes fraught with hidden dangers. The primary threat is aspiration—the inhalation of foreign material like water, saliva, or toothpaste into the airway and lungs. In a healthy person, the cough reflex would expel this material, but in ALS, the same muscle weakness that impairs swallowing also weakens the cough, rendering this defense ineffective.
This creates a terrifying risk of "silent aspiration," where material enters the lungs without any outward sign of choking or distress. The consequence is often aspiration pneumonia, a severe lung infection that is a leading cause of hospitalization and the second leading cause of death for people with ALS. This constant, severe
risk of aspiration can lead to complications like respiratory failure and creates immense anxiety for both the individual with ALS and their caregiver. You are caught in a paradox: you must perform oral care to reduce bacteria and prevent infection, yet the process itself introduces the immediate risk of a life-threatening event. This is the daily reality of managing ALS & swallowing issues.
A New Standard of Safety: How the Bluereo G100 Line Transforms ALS Caregiving

In response to this profound challenge, the Bluereo G100 line was developed as a purpose-built solution. It was designed specifically for individuals with neuromuscular swallowing disorders and the family caregivers who support them, transforming a high-risk task into a safe and manageable routine.
Eliminating Aspiration Risk with Integrated Suction
The core innovation of the Bluereo G100 and G100 Pro is the integrated suction system. This feature directly solves the oral care paradox by simultaneously removing saliva, toothpaste, and rinsing water from the mouth while brushing. Fluids are drawn away into a collection pouch, completely eliminating the need to spit and directly addressing the
ALS swallowing difficulties that make traditional brushing so dangerous. This is one of the most important ALS caregiving tips, as it allows for thorough cleaning without the fear of aspiration.
A Caregiver-Centric, Ergonomic Design
Every feature of the Bluereo line was designed with the caregiver in mind. The lightweight, all-in-one device enables easy, one-handed operation, freeing your other hand to support your loved one’s head or provide comfort. The gentle sonic vibrations and soft, antibacterial bristles provide effective cleaning without causing irritation, while the quiet motor avoids causing distress. An integrated LED light illuminates the inside of the mouth, giving you a clear view to ensure a thorough cleaning with confidence.
Real Stories, Real Peace of Mind

The value of a solution is best measured by the people it helps. The Bluereo line has earned heartfelt endorsements from caregivers who have experienced its benefits firsthand, providing powerful proof of its impact.
One parent of an adult son with a swallowing disorder shared their relief, stating, "I've been waiting 44 years for something like this. It's a game-changer for families like mine."
Another caregiver, Angele Mead, highlighted the product's most critical feature in her review: "This toothbrush allows me to be able to keep his mouth clean and make sure his oral hygiene is being kept up... The suction is a necessity since he cannot swallow and could possibly aspirate. I highly recommend this product."
Finding the Right Fit: Bluereo G100 vs. G100 Pro
Bluereo offers two models to meet the varying needs of individuals with ALS-related swallowing issues. Both are designed to provide a safer, more effective cleaning experience.
The G100: Reliable, Everyday Brushing Support
The G100 is the ideal solution for daily, reliable care. It delivers powerful cleaning and safety with features including:
- Suction Power: 16.9 fl oz (500ml) per minute.
- Sonic Vibrations: 14,000 vibrations per minute for gentle, effective cleaning.
- Battery Life: Lasts up to 3 weeks on a single charge.
- Price: $249.
The G100 Pro: Customizable Care for Advanced Needs
For those with more complex needs or for caregivers who want greater control, the G100 Pro offers enhanced features:
- Higher Suction: 18.6 fl oz (550ml) per minute with customizable suction levels.
- Convenient Charging: A magnetic charging dock for easier handling.
- Extended Battery Life: Lasts up to 4 weeks on a single charge.
- Price: $329.
Embracing a Safer Routine for ALS & Swallowing Issues
While ALS & swallowing issues present serious and undeniable challenges, innovative tools like the Bluereo G100 line make it possible to provide safe, dignified, and effective oral care at home. Managing the daily risk of aspiration is a heavy burden, but the right support can restore a sense of confidence and peace of mind for family caregivers. By removing the fear associated with this essential routine, you can focus on what matters most: providing compassionate care for your loved one. Embracing a safer approach to oral care is a critical step in navigating the journey of ALS & swallowing issues.
Designed for Real-Life Needs
If spitting is difficult, brushing can quickly turn into a frustrating—and sometimes unsafe—experience. Bluereo was built to remove that barrier. Its built-in suction clears the mouth gently while you brush, eliminating the need for towels, spit cups, or constant interruptions.
The G100 offers a reliable, simple solution for everyday brushing, with suction support that makes the process cleaner and easier.
The G100 Pro adds customizable suction and brushing intensity—perfect for users with more complex needs or for caregivers seeking added control.
This is oral care that fits into real life, not the other way around. See the G100
Explore Helpful Resources & Blog Posts
Looking to learn more about caregiving, oral health challenges, or how Bluereo supports unique needs? These articles dive into specific conditions, product use cases, and expert tips to help you make informed decisions.
The Caregiver’s Guide to Dental Health
Suction Toothbrush: Key of Maintaining Oral Health for Special Needs
Why Children with Developmental Disabilities Have Trouble Brushing Their Teeth
The Best Electric Toothbrush for Parkinson
What Is an Adaptive Toothbrush?
The Best Electric Toothbrush for Receding Gums
Nursing Plan for Dysphagia: Assessment, Care Methods and Mechanisms
The Best Electric Toothbrush for Sensitive Teeth
The Best Toothbrush for Periodontal Disease
Understanding the Benefits of a Toothbrush with Suction
Everything You Need to Know About Portable Medical Suction Machines
Nursing Care for Dysphagia: Simple Strategies for a Better Life
Nicotine Pouches and Dental Disease: What You Need to Know
How the G100 Suction Toothbrush Can Aid People with Dysphagia