DEMENTIA, ALZHEIMERS AND TEETH

Oral hygiene is essential for everyone and this means cleaning the teeth and gums twice a day, after breakfast and after the final drink of the day.
Gum disease is the biggest danger with teeth and can lead to other very serious health issues such as heart disease. The reason is that the mouth is the pathway to the body. If good mouth hygiene is not practised bacteria may enter the blood stream, attach to blood vessels and increase clot formation. It has also been suggested that inflammation caused by gum disease may also trigger clot formation. Clots decrease blood flow to the heart, thereby causing an elevation in blood pressure and incurring the risk of heart disease.
Dementia patients in the early stages of dementia will have no difficulty in cleaning their teeth, but the caregiver must keep a watchful eye that they do so, properly and at the right times, i.e. after breakfast and after the last drink of the day.If dentures are worn the gums must be gently brushed and the mouth swilled out with mouthwash or salty water. Dentures must be thoroughly cleaned in the usual way and should be worn during the day to preserve the patient's dignity
The mouth should be regularly checked and dental check ups carried out every six months and immediately if there are signs of trouble.
Patients in the later stages of dementia may not be able to clean their teeth themselves. This should never be forced, but rather the patient persuaded. Cleaning is sometimes easier from behind the patient. Electric toothbrushes are best if possible.

David Barnato.
Paarl. South Africa
barnatod@blogsot.com