Helping Loved Ones with Alzheimer’s Maintain Healthy Oral Habits
When a loved one begins developing Alzheimer’s, their oral health may not seem like a concern at first. But as time goes by, it becomes harder and harder for your loved one to care for their own teeth without prompting or assistance. As the Alzheimer’s patient progresses, they may not be able to convey dental pain and so infection and decay can spread. Dental health is important for the health of the whole body. As a caregiver it may be your job to ensure your loved one maintains good oral hygiene.
Oral Health Tips for Alzheimer’s Patients
Early in the progression of the disease, you may simply need to remind your loved one to brush, floss, or clean their dentures. You may have to remind them about dental appointments or take them to see their dentist every six months. But as the Alzheimer’s moves to later stages, you may have to take over these tasks yourself.
If the person gets frustrated with you or with the oral care, then it may be best to stop for the time being and come back to it perhaps an hour or two later.
- Use simple instructions: When explaining oral care, take it step by step. Use simple and short instructions and don’t skip or combine any steps.
- Brush your teeth at the same time: If your loved one can still brush their teeth, then it can be helpful if you brush your teeth at the same time. This gives them someone to mimic. Go step-by-step and let them follow you as you do it.
- Guide them: You may have to show them by way of placing your hand on theirs and gently guiding them.
- Rinse after every meal: They should rinse their mouth out with water after they’ve eaten.
- Brushing: Their teeth should be brushed twice a day. Food and liquid medication should be taken before the last brush of the day, if possible. Clean the outside of the teeth if they will not fully open their mouth.
- Make a checklist: Be sure to create a checklist in the event that there is more than one caregiver. This will ensure that the brushing is done.
- Flossing: Attempt to gently hold their mouth open if they cannot hold it open on their own. There are flossing alternatives available if your loved one is not receptive to traditional flossing.
- Dentures: Rinse dentures with water after they eat and brush them once a day. Soak them overnight in a denture certified cleanser. You can clean your loved one’s gums, tongue, and cheeks with a soft brush or moist pad.
Alzheimer’s patients may not always be able to convey their pain or fear. Keep an eye out for signals that they are experiencing discomfort. Not eating is one indication that it hurts. The look on their face may suggest that they are in distress. Try to learn your loved one’s signs so that you can give them the best possible care.
Finding the Right Dentist
Some dentists specialize in working with patients with dementia. Ask around in order to find the best dentist for your needs. Of course, Advanced Dentistry South Florida would love to have you and your loved one as a patient, so we urge you to come visit our Delray Beach dental practice at any time. Remember – we can benefit from a list of your loved one’s doctors and medications, so be sure to bring that with you. You will typically be seen approximately twice a year, but follow our dentist’s recommendations.
Keeping up with your loved one’s oral health is an important and sometimes difficult job, but doing so will go a long way in keeping them as healthy and comfortable as they can be.