Oral care and Dementia

Why worry?

• Poor oral health may lead to infections which, if left untreated, can cause pain

• Someone in pain can have difficulty chewing, and this often leads to poor nutrition

• Bacteria can enter the bloodstream, causing blood poisoning and may also be related to other diseases such as heart, disease and diabetes

• Bacteria can also cause respiratory tract infections such as pneumonia

• Treatment may be necessary and general anaesthetic, which may pose a risk to life

Tips for providing oral care for someone with Dementia

1. Do everything you can to make mouth care a pleasant experience, e.g. provide a softer toothbrush, or a more pleasant-tasting toothpaste or gel

2. As any change in their normal response to oral care may be due to discomfort or pain, this should never be ignored and should be investigated by a nurse or a dental professional

3. There may be less resistance when carers encourage them to carry out their own oral care

4. People with dementia often have behavioural patterns so consider asking family members or previous carers for advice or assistance

5. It may be helpful to have more than one carer helping, but the person may also respond better to one well-known, trusted carer

6. Carry out the task wherever the recipient is most comfortable

7. Don’t approach the recipient from behind; come down to eye level

8. In a residential care environment, it is important to label all oral care products, including dentures and brushes, in case they go missing or end up in another room

9. Some people, especially those with dementia may be unable to spit, and should use a non-foaming toothpaste (one without sodium lauryl sulphate or SLS)

10. Distract the care recipient by giving them something to hold,

    
    

    

    
    

    like another toothbrush