Dental health care for Alzheimer’s patients
Uncategorized
Dental health care for Alzheimer’s patients
Dental health problems in Alzheimer’s patients can lead to pain, unmanageable behavior and extensive dental treatment. Yet, the dental needs of Alzheimer’s patients are often overlooked, usually for very understandable reasons: the patient’s forgetfulness results in unintentional dental neglect; medications may cause chronic “dry mouth” (reduction in the healthy flow of saliva) that can lead to tooth decay; patients and their families lose contact with their dentist because they are focused on other health issues.
Good dental health can make eating and digesting food easier for an Alzheimer’s patient, improving the overall quality of life. If you are a caregiver for someone suffering from Alzheimer’s, here are some tips and techniques from the Alzheimer’s Association to assist your loved one in maintaining good oral health.
