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Mouth care for people with dementia

People living with dementia have a high rate of tooth decay and gum disease. This may be because they find it difficult to perform their normal daily activities, and require some support to keep up with their oral hygiene routine. Others may not be able to express that they have a toothache and leave problems untreated. It’s important that people living with dementia receive the help they need to keep their teeth and gums clean and free of debris so that they can maintain their self-esteem and avoid pain and infections.

Sugar and oral health:

Sugar can cause tooth decay, especially when it’s frequently eaten. If you are caring for someone with dementia, try to avoid giving them too many sugary foods, both between meals and at mealtimes. Tooth friendly foods and snacks include: vegetables, bread with sugar-free spreads, crackers and cheese, pitta bread with hummus or guacamole, rice cakes, fresh fruit, oatcakes, plain yoghurt.

Caring for teeth and gums:

Everyone should have their mouth cleaned twice a day, so make sure that the person living with dementia continues to do this and help them if they are unable or reluctant to do it themselves. You may want to make brushing your teeth an activity you do together so that you can prompt, observe, and help them if needed.

If you need to brush the person’s teeth for them, you could try: supporting their jaw to keep their teeth together to help clean the front of the teeth, encouraging the person to open wide to help you clean the inside and chewing surfaces of the teeth, using a toothbrush with a small head and medium bristles; a child’s toothbrush may be easier to use, using a pea-sized amount of toothpaste containing no less than1450ppm fluoride (look on the tube or box to find out how much fluoride is in your toothpaste), using gentle, circular movements, paying extra attention to the area where the tooth meets the gum, encouraging the person you’re helping to spit out the toothpaste rather than rinse it out. The fluoride in the toothpaste will continue to protect their teeth, replacing the toothbrush when it begins to show wear or every three months.

When you are helping your family member or close friend who has dementia to brush their teeth you may find that their gums bleed. This means that they have some plaque in their mouth, which is irritating their gums.

Encouraging oral care if someone is reluctant:

A change in a care routine or the prospect of treatment may make some people feel confused or uncomfortable. Try to help this by:

- Giving the person short, clear instructions.

demonstrating what to do, and gently guiding the person to take care of their mouth and teeth in stages.

-Clearly and simply explaining what you are about to do, gesturing with a toothbrush and toothpaste if you are brushing the person’s teeth.

-Observing the person for signs of discomfort. The person may hold their face, grimace, struggle with ill-fitting dentures, have loose teeth, frequent bleeding or sensitivity to hot and cold food and drink. If you notice any of these signs, consult a dentist as soon as possible.

(12/14/2020)
by Dementia UK

More Information: https://www.dementiauk.org/get-support/maintaining-health-in-dementia/mouth-care-dementia/

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