How Can Dental Care in Early Dementia Prevent Problems Later?

Though in the early stages of dementia, people can still take care of their oral health. Providing dental care to the elderly at the early stages of dementia and periodic visits to the emergency dentist can later prevent several oral health issues.

Dental Care in Different Stages of Dementia

In the early stage of dementia, the person can effectively take care of their oral hygiene, brush their teeth, floss, etc. They may need to be reminded regarding carrying out these tasks or require some supervision, but not necessarily in all cases. Since dementia can also affect motor skills and hand dexterity, so with time, switching to the electric toothbrush can be a viable option.

As dementia progresses, the person may not remember practicing dental care or may lose interest in it. The care providers have to take over this responsibility and get proper directions from the emergency dentists regarding providing oral care to dementia patients.

Various Causes of Dental Issues in Dementia Patients

Dementia in itself can cause dental issues as the person begins to focus less on their oral health, but other causes can exacerbate the condition.

• Medicines for dementia patients can lead to dryness in the mouth due to less saliva production. It leads to an increase in oral bacteria, issues with dentures, tooth decay, etc.
• Delayed detection of diseases as the dementia patients may not realize that they suffer from an oral health issue so, the condition may get diagnosed at a later stage. Hence, visiting the 24-hour emergency dentist is necessary to prevent any severe oral health issue.
• Old dentures can cause numerous issues which the dementia patient won't even realize by themselves.

Get Dental Care in the Early Stage of Dementia

Providing holistic dental care to dementia patients is crucial to prevent several

oral health issues in the later stages of dementia. Finding an emergency dentist who can work well with the dementia patient is essential; you can get an appointment by connecting with Emergency Dental Service.