Dementia And Dental Care

Good oral health brings major benefit for general health, dignity and self-esteem, social integration and general nutrition. It is essential for a person's sense of well-being and quality of life. Poor dental health can lead to pain and tooth loss. Its impact can be deep, affecting self-esteem and the ability to eat, laugh and smile. This fact sheet outlines some information on dental care for people with dementia.

There are two major types of dental disorders have been reported by the physicians, the gum (periodontal) disease and tooth decay (dental caries). Both of these diseases can cause discomfort or pain, and can lead to the development of infection. Both types of pain and infection can exacerbate the confusion associated with dementia. In the early stages of the disease dementia, the sufferer will still be able to clean their own teeth. They may need to be reminded to perform the task, or they may need to be supervised. If the people need help, physicians try giving them the brush and toothpaste and showing them what to do. As manual nimbleness decreases, an electric toothbrush may help maintain independence. The person with dementia disorder could also try using a toothbrush with an adapted handle to improve their grip. The dentist or dental hygienist should be able to advise people on this.

As the disorder dementia progresses, the individual may lose the ability to clean their teeth, or interest in doing so, and health care experts may need to take over this task. A hygienist or a dentist can provide professional guidance and support on how to clean another person's teeth. The dental care technique normally varies depending on the individual concerned. Normally the easiest way is for the individual to sit on a dining-style chair with the physician standing behind. The physician supports the person against their body, cradling their head with one arm. They can then brush the sufferer's teeth using a damp toothbrush and a little toothpaste.

People with the disease dementia are sometimes prescribed antidepressants, antipsychotics and sedatives. One of the side effects of all these medicines is a dry mouth. Saliva acts as a natural lubricant, and dry mouth can cause problems with dentures, including discomfort and looseness. Denture fixatives and artificial saliva are said to help some people with denture problems. Once again, your dentist can provide advice. Saliva not only acts as a lubricant, but also has a cleansing effect on the mouth and teeth. Their absences cause plaque accumulation, gum disease and dental decay, particularly at the neck of the tooth. Decay in this area weakens the crown of the tooth, and can cause the crown to break off.

If the oral medicines are syrup based there is normally an increased danger of tooth decay. The doctor may be able to prescribe a sugar-free alternative medicine if asked. The dentist may also decide to apply chlorhexidene and fluoride varnishes to help prevent decay at the necks of the teeth. Reduction of sugar content in the diet, particularly sugary snacks, also helps to control decay. Some antipsychotic medicines can cause increased tongue and jaw movements, making it difficult to wear dentures, particularly in the lower jaw.

• Felicia Byrnes
• 24/02/2009, 2:59 AM
• 0 Comments