How to help someone with dementia look after their oral health
According to NHS figures, one in 14 people over the age of 65 will develop dementia in the UK, and the condition affects 1 in 6 people over the age of 801.These numbers are expected to rise in the coming years, and it’s predicted that by 2040, 1.6 million people in the UK will be suffering from some sort of dementia2.
Dementia is a progressive syndrome which causes brain function to decline over time. Dementia comes in different forms, the most common being Alzheimer’s disease. Symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease include memory loss, confusion, and difficulties thinking or problem-solving. Many day-to-day tasks, such as taking care of oral health, can become difficult for those with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.
If you care for someone with dementia, there are steps you can take to help spot symptoms of common oral health problems, and ways to help maintain their oral health as the disease progresses.
How dementia can affect oral health
Lots of people living with dementia have difficulty managing daily, routine tasks like brushing their teeth.
Tooth decay poses a serious risk to people living with dementia. That’s because if you aren’t brushing your teeth thoroughly and regularly, plaque builds up in your mouth, which produces acid and gradually breaks down the surfaces of your teeth. If tooth decay becomes severe, it can be painful and cause sensitivity in the mouth.
It can be difficult for carers to identify when a person with dementia is experiencing oral health problems. But there are some tell-tale signs to look out for.
How do you spot underlying oral problems?
People living with dementia think clearly and articulate how they are feeling. Either way, they might not be able to tell you if they have an oral health issue. According to the Alzheimer’s Society2, there are some behavioural signs that might indicate the person is experiencing dental problems, such as:
- Reluctance to eat
- Difficulty sleeping at night
- Constantly touching or pulling at their face
- Aggressive or frustrated outbursts
Some of these behaviours are common symptoms of dementia, but if any of these symptoms feel out of the ordinary, get in contact with your local dental practice to seek their advice.
How to look after oral health in the early stages of dementia
In the early stages of dementia, where symptoms are mild, the person you’re caring for might need some help and guidance on how to care for their teeth. It might be useful to:
- Clearly explain to the person how to brush their teeth in short, easy to understand steps
- Demonstrate to the person how to brush their teeth and get them to mirror what you’re doing
- Gently guide their toothbrush for them, or brush their teeth for them if they aren’t able to
It’s really important to make sure the person is getting regular dental check-ups. Some dentists are specially trained in oral health care for dementia patients, and some even provide at-home visits for those with dementia, so you don’t have to travel to the dentist.
Contact your local practice and ask them how they can help care for someone with dementia. Finding the right dentist and developing a trusting relationship with them can make visits much easier and less stressful for a person living with dementia.
How to look after oral health in the later stages of dementia
When a person enters the later stages of dementia, they might lose the ability to complete daily tasks themselves. This is where you might need to take an active role in their oral hygiene and brush their teeth on their behalf.
If someone seems agitated or uncooperative when you’re brushing their teeth, never force them. Postpone brushing until later in the day. If a person has become completely uncooperative and is prone to agitation or frustrated outbursts, you might need to look into more specialist care for them.
If you’re looking after someone with dementia, it’s important to make sure you’re getting enough support and are looking after your own wellbeing. Find out more about support for dementia carers.
Looking after dentures
Denture-wearers need to be extra vigilant when it comes to keeping their mouth and teeth clean. It’s easy for plaque to build-up on dentures and lead to gum disease or tooth decay. If you’re looking after someone’s dentures, make sure to:
- Clean them after every meal using a soft toothbrush and toothpaste or soak them in a denture-cleaning solution to help remove stains
- Keep them in a cold glass of water or a plastic box overnight, so they don’t dry out
- Clean them over a soft surface to make sure they don’t get broken
Another risk for people living with dementia is losing their dentures due to increasing memory loss. Decide on a consistent place to keep their dentures during the night, such as a particular shelf in the bathroom, or on a bedside table. Keep them there when the person doesn’t need to wear them, to decrease the chances of them getting lost.
If a pair of dentures goes missing, it might be difficult for a person to eat and speak. Get in touch with your dentist as soon as possible to get them replaced.
How sugar affects oral health
Eating too much sugar is bad for anyone’s teeth. In fact, it’s one of the main causes of tooth decay. But for people with dementia, it poses a greater threat, as they may not be able to consciously check what they’re eating. As a carer, you should monitor what they eat to make sure they’re following a healthy diet.
A person with dementia might not be able to make proper meals, but still might wander into the kitchen to snack. Try to avoid stocking the cupboards with too much sugary food, and offer them these snacks instead:
- Crackers and cheese
- Toast with low-sugar or sugar-free spreads
- Rice cakes
- Plain yoghurt with added fresh fruit
- Wholemeal or brown bread with hummus
You can also find more information related to dementia on Bupa’s dementia information section.
1. NHS: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Dementia/about/
2. Alzheimer’s Society: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-support/daily-living/how-tell-if-someone-has-dental-problems
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