People with dementia gradually forget how to brush and find it hard to express pain. Family plays an important part in keeping the mouth clean and spotting problems early.
- People with dementia gradually forget how to brush and find it hard to express pain, so family needs to help and observe.
- Do it regularly at the same time each day, speak gently, explain briefly and never force it.
- Use a soft thick handled brush and only a tiny amount of toothpaste to avoid choking.
- Refusing food, chewing on one side, bad breath or swollen gums are signs to bring the person for a check.
When a family member has dementia or Alzheimer's disease, daily tooth brushing often becomes difficult. The person may forget how to brush, refuse to open the mouth, or be unable to say when a tooth hurts. So family and carers need to help with gentle oral hygiene and watch carefully.
Common difficulties
- Forgetting to brush, or forgetting how.
- Refusing to open the mouth, biting the brush or reacting with distress.
- A dry mouth, holding food in the mouth, or not wearing a denture properly.
- Being unable to say when a tooth hurts, so they only refuse food or become restless.
How can family help?
- Do it regularly at the same time each day to build a habit, at a time when the person is alert and calm.
- Speak gently, explain each step briefly and demonstrate first.
- Sit or stand behind the person and support the head gently so they feel secure.
- Use a soft toothbrush with a thick handle or an electric brush that is easy to hold, with only a tiny amount of toothpaste to avoid choking.
- If the person will not cooperate, try several short sessions and do not force it.
You may also read oral care for people who are bedridden or cannot manage alone and mouth care after a stroke or with Parkinson's disease.
Dentures and signs of toothache
If the person wears a denture, take it out to clean it every day and check whether the gums are red or sore. People with dementia often cannot say when something hurts, so watch for signs such as refusing food, chewing on one side, touching the cheek, fussiness, bad breath or swollen gums.
When should you bring them for a check?
Bring the person for a check when you notice these signs, when a tooth hurts or is loose, when a denture is loose, or at regular intervals to catch problems early. It is better to be seen early while the illness is mild, so the person finds it easier to cooperate.
When should you visit Ky Hoa Dental Clinic?
Nha Khoa Ky Hoa is at 266A - 268, 3 Thang 2 Street, Hoa Hung Ward, Ho Chi Minh City. Families can call the hotline 028.3868.1097 to ask about quieter times first, which suits a person who needs to be moved gently, or walk in during opening hours. The dentist will examine and advise a plan suited to each person.
Frequently asked questions
What if a person with dementia refuses to brush?
Do it gently at the same time each day, explain briefly and split it into several short sessions. Do not force it, since it will frighten the person.
How can I tell they have toothache when they cannot say so?
Watch for refusing food, chewing on one side, touching the cheek, fussiness, bad breath or red swollen gums.
How should their denture be looked after?
Take it out to clean every day, soak it in clean water overnight and check the gums for redness or sores.