The world is changing rapidly for all of us, but those who struggle with dementia are incredibly lost as they struggle to keep everything straight in their mind oftentimes confusing past with present. Daily care for dementia patients is really a full time job and includes all aspects of care, including dental hygiene.
Dental care with a dementia patient is a challenge on many levels. First of all, someone with dementia struggles to remember parts of their daily routine. Often, teeth get shuffled out of the equation altogether. Even if the patient remembers to take care of his or her dental responsibilities, the patient might not remember to tell you. Sometimes a patient can develop pain or oral problems but not be aware enough to tell the caregiver.
What Can be Done?
If you are a caregiver (or in other ways responsible) for a loved one with dementia, there are some things to consider when it comes to health care. Maintain daily routines that include oral hygiene. Schedule regular dental appointments for exams and dental cleanings to protect your loved one from a serious infections and decay. If your loved one struggles to allow others to work with him or her, we will use sedation to maintain a safe working environment.
Being a caregiver to a patient with dementia is a challenge. Make dental hygiene as easy on yourself as possible by maintaining a good routine and bringing your loved one in regularly. We are the gentle hands of Southern Indiana when it comes to dental care, which means you can contact us no matter how difficult the case! We’ll help you and your loved one maintain a healthy mouth so that you both have one less thing to worry about.
