Taking care of someone with a memory disorder is challenging. There is a lot to keep track of — from doctor visits to medications — and a lot to help out with day by day. With all of this in mind, dental care may fall by the wayside in comparison to other health priorities. However, you shouldn’t overlook dental hygiene and oral health, especially if you’re already concerned about memory.
Research suggests there is a link between poor oral health and memory decline in older adults. Each issue has the potential to exacerbate the other. Poor oral health can lead to memory issues, and those disorders can lead to problems with dental hygiene.
Older Americans, in general, also typically have experienced some sort of dental health issue. According to the CDC, 97% of adults 65 or older have had at least one cavity, and nearly 20% have lost all of their teeth. This highlights the ongoing importance of dental care.
Individual issues may seem small and unimportant, but they can build up over time and become more severe. All older adults stand to benefit from focusing on dental health. People with memory disorders, however, may need a little assistance keeping up with their dental hygiene to address common oral health issues.
Common dental issues in seniors
As people age, their teeth show signs of wear and tear. Proper dental hygiene can help to reduce these issues, but some are problems that occur over time. Older adults can experience common dental maladies such as:
- Cavities
- Broken teeth or dental work
- Abscessed tooth
- Dry mouth
- Bad Breath
Does dental health impact memory disorders?
Oral health can have a huge effect on overall health. Good dental hygiene can help to prevent illnesses, it can affect sleep and it can also play a role in reducing memory disorders. Brushing, flossing and keeping up with regular dentist visits are important steps toward avoiding issues.
As mentioned, studies have drawn a correlation between dental health issues like gum disease and memory disorders such as Alzheimer’s. Several other oral health problems may impact mental health as well.
Dementia due to tooth loss
Research suggests that tooth loss can contribute to dementia. A study showed that each tooth lost could increase the chances of developing dementia by 1.1%. The effect on developing any cognitive disorder was an increase of 1.4%. Experts are unsure about why this correlation exists, but tooth loss can cause people to avoid certain types of food, which can lead to nutritional deficits. Over time, a lack of certain nutrients can contribute to mental health issues.
Gum diseases and dementia
Studies suggest there may be a link between gum disease and dementia–related disorders, including Alzheimer’s. The bacteria that cause gum disease can make their way from infection and into the bloodstream where they can enter the brain. This is just one of many reasons gum health is important.
Tooth infection and memory loss
Even if you don’t develop gum disease, a tooth infection has similar yet disastrous effects, leading to memory loss as the infection spreads to the brain. This happens as a result of the infection spreading through the bloodstream.
Impact of medications on dental health
People with memory disorders are also often prescribed medication that can have side effects impacting dental health. Some of these effects are more direct, while others are a result of behavioral changes.
- Antidepressants: Antidepressants can result in dry mouth-related dental issues, such as tooth decay, and more severe oral infections.
- Antipsychotics: Antipsychotics can also cause dry mouth in patients. They can also cause involuntary jaw movement that causes tooth wear or jaw irritation.
Although these medications can cause dental-related issues, they shouldn’t necessarily be a reason for older adults to avoid them altogether unless it becomes a serious problem.
Nutrition and dental health
Memory disorders can have unique effects on nutrition. For example, a person with dementia may be less sensitive to thirst, and forget to drink water. Fear of water and other factors may also cause a reluctance to drink it. While sugary drinks may help to counteract this, those types of beverages promote tooth decay and lead to dental issues.
Older adults may also see their sense of taste diminish in their later years. This can cause them to seek out stronger, possibly sweeter foods that can contain tooth-decaying sugar. It could also cause them to avoid healthy foods that just don’t taste as good anymore.
Signs of dental problems
Those with dental issues may have difficulty communicating them to you, so it takes an extra degree of attention to notice the warning signs of dental issues. Keeping an eye out for signs can let you know when you need to schedule a trip to the dentist.
- Wincing while chewing: This is a clear indication of pain or irritation in the mouth.
- Avoiding foods that are too hot or cold: This could be a sign of a sore spot, cavity, or other tooth damage that should be addressed.
- Biting their inner cheek or lip: An accidentally bitten cheek or lip could be a sign of a dental issue.
- Drooling: Excessive drooling could be a side effect of dementia medication, or it could result from an unwillingness to close their mouth completely due to pain.
- A white film on their tongue: While this could be a simple, easily remedied issue, it could also be a sign of a larger problem and should be examined professionally.
- Bad breath even though they’re brushing their teeth: This could be the result of a mouth infection, such as gum disease.
- A swollen spot or a pimple on their gum underneath a tooth: A bump on the gums could be a cyst or an abscess that should be inspected by a professional.
- Not letting you look at or clean their mouth: This could be a definite sign of pain or discomfort within the mouth, which could be a result of a problem that needs attention.
Many of these issues can be easily observed, but some of them can be easier to witness while helping with regular oral hygiene.
Helping your loved one with dental hygiene
Proper dental hygiene is a key component of dental health, and sometimes people with memory disorders need help with things like brushing and flossing. Be sure to use any dentist-prescribed medication or equipment. Guiding them through the process can make a big difference.
- Provide short, simple instructions: Explain dental care by breaking directions into easy steps
- Demonstrate: Showing how to brush your teeth by example can help get them started. Then you can gently guide them in brushing by taking their hand and helping if they need.
- Try different types of toothbrushes: A smaller, softer toothbrush may be easier to use and less irritating. If a person with a memory disorder feels uncomfortable brushing, changing a toothbrush could help.
- Floss regularly: Keeping up with regular flossing makes the process easier to do, and helps promote good gum health.
- Be aware of potential mouth pain: This is a great time to look out for oral pain that could be a sign of a dental problem.
- Clean their teeth for them: Depending on their needs, you may need to brush for them. Before you do, clearly explain what you are about to do. As you brush the front teeth, support their jaw to keep their teeth pressed together. Encourage them to open wide while you clean the inside and chewing surfaces of the teeth. All the while, use gentle, circular movements, paying close attention to the area where the teeth meet the gums.
Home cleaning routines are important for dental health, but regular checkups are also vital. Finding a dentist who is equipped to take care of patients with memory disorders can take a little time, but it is worth it.
Finding dental care for your loved one
People with memory disorders have some factors to take into consideration when looking for a dentist. It’s important to find a dentist that understands the unique behavior concerns expressed by those with memory disorders. Making sure you find a dentist that has experience or is capable of handling those concerns is paramount.
Where to find a dentist
There are several ways to find a local dentist. However, access to insurance may limit your options. Proximity can also be a deciding factor, along with finding a dentist who can provide adequate care for a person with a memory disorder’s living arrangements. There are, however, a couple of options that you may want to look into if you’re concerned about finances or finding a dentist that can accommodate memory loss needs:
- Dental schools: Finding dental care at a dental school can be a good option for saving money. Since they are training future practitioners, they should be more understanding and willing to deal with different types of patients.
- House-call dentists: For patients who have trouble leaving their homes, a house-call dentist offers a versatile option. This can help arrange dental visits and cleanings around your schedule and in a more comfortable and relaxing environment.
Choosing the right dentist is important. It’s a good idea to find out some information about the practice before choosing to go there. Asking questions is a good way to get an idea about an office’s care.
Questions to ask a dentist
When helping someone with dementia find a suitable dentist, it’s important to ask some questions about the care they provide. This will help to find the best help, as well as avoid issues down the road. This can be a vital step, especially if you haven’t visited the dentist in a long time. Some important questions, as well as the reasoning behind them, include:
What is your and your staff’s experience working with patients who have Alzheimer’s?
Even if your dentist has experience working with patients with Alzheimer’s, it isn’t a deal breaker if they have little to no experience. The important thing is to make sure that they have the patience and ability to accommodate patients with Alzheimer’s.
Would you be able to provide special accommodations during appointments if needed?
It’s important to know if a dentist is equipped to help a patient with a memory disorder. This could include special equipment or behavior to help make a patient more comfortable in a potentially stressful environment.
What dental procedures are unsafe for patients with Alzheimer’s Disease?
This question can help you to understand the considerations they have made for patients with Alzheimer’s. It can also help you to understand the risks of certain procedures that may be better performed in a hospital or by a specialist.
Do you provide any home care or mobile dentistry services?
Some patients may be more comfortable in their own homes, so a dentist who offers this type of care may be an incredible help. This can also help save time when trying to coordinate care from multiple doctors.
Should I be concerned about dental sedation?
Sedation dentistry may be an option for patients who experience anxiety or severe stress in the potentially uncomfortable setting of a dentist’s office. A person with a memory disorder may also have additional issues due to different types of anesthesia. Recovering from a numbing agent can cause confusion and stress, so dental care professionals need to understand their patients before deciding to go through with sedation.
How do you accommodate patients who are unwilling to receive care?
It’s important to know how a dentist’s office will handle issues that come up with patients who may be uncooperative while stressed or having a bad day.
Affording dental care for your loved one
Even once you jump through all the hoops to find the right dentist, you may have trouble coming up with the funding. However, there are options available for financial assistance, including:
- Senior Discounts: Some dentist offices may offer senior discounts, so it’s a good idea to ask about them.
- Cash Pay Incentives: Some procedures may cost less if paying with cash, rather than through insurance plans.
- In-House Membership plans: Some dental practices offer a membership plan that provides specific care for a monthly or yearly fee. This can serve as an affordable alternative to potentially costly dental insurance.
- Medicare: Standard dental visits and procedures are not covered by Medicare. However, it may help cover life-threatening dental surgeries.
- FSA: A Flexible Spending Account can be used to cover some dental procedures not covered by insurance.
Additional memory disorder resources
Alzheimer’s Association: The Alzheimer’s Association provides resources and information for people at different stages of memory loss and their families.
The University of Washington Living with Memory Loss: This handbook offers information, context, and a roadmap for those who have been diagnosed with a memory disorder.
Additional dental health resources
CDC Oral Health: The CDC’s Oral Health index provides resources and information related to oral health, including potential problems and how to recognize and avoid them.
ADA Community Initiatives: This page contains information on initiatives to spread dental health awareness and access.