{"id":20074,"date":"2022-12-30T11:37:26","date_gmt":"2022-12-30T16:37:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/?p=20074"},"modified":"2023-03-09T10:38:21","modified_gmt":"2023-03-09T15:38:21","slug":"oral-health-and-memory-disorders-a-guide-for-caregivers-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/guides\/oral-health-and-memory-disorders-a-guide-for-caregivers-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Oral Health And Memory Disorders: A Guide For Caregivers"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Taking care of someone with a memory disorder is challenging. There is a lot to keep track of \u2014 from doctor visits to medications \u2014 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\u2019t overlook dental hygiene and oral health, especially if you\u2019re already concerned about memory.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Research suggests there is a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/bmcoralhealth.biomedcentral.com\/articles\/10.1186\/s12903-022-02128-y\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">link between poor oral health and memory decline<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> 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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Older Americans, in general, also typically have experienced some sort of dental health issue. According to the CDC, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/oralhealth\/basics\/adult-oral-health\/adult_older.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">97% of adults 65 or older have had at least one cavity<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and nearly 20% have lost all of their teeth. This highlights the ongoing importance of dental care.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3>Common dental issues in seniors<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cavities<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Broken teeth or dental work<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Abscessed tooth<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dry mouth<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bad Breath<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Does dental health impact memory disorders?<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Oral health can have a huge effect on overall health. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/why-good-oral-health-can-reduce-the-chance-of-serious-illness\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Good dental hygiene can help to prevent illnesses<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, it can <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/7-surprising-ways-your-oral-health-can-impact-your-sleep\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">affect sleep<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0and 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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As mentioned, studies have drawn a correlation between dental health issues like gum disease and memory disorders such as Alzheimer\u2019s. Several other oral health problems may impact mental health as well.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Dementia due to tooth loss<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Research suggests that <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nia.nih.gov\/news\/tooth-loss-older-adults-linked-higher-risk-dementia\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">tooth loss can contribute to dementia<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. 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 <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC2738337\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">lack of certain nutrients can contribute to mental health issues<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Gum diseases and dementia<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Studies suggest <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nia.nih.gov\/news\/large-study-links-gum-disease-dementia\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">there may be a link between gum disease and dementia<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8211;<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">related disorders, including Alzheimer\u2019s. 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 <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/5-reasons-gum-health-is-so-important\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">reasons gum health is important<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Tooth infection and memory loss<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even if you don\u2019t 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.<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3>Impact of medications on dental health<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Antidepressants<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Antidepressants can result in <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ada.org\/resources\/research\/science-and-research-institute\/oral-health-topics\/xerostomia\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">dry mouth-related dental issues<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, such as tooth decay, and more severe oral infections.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Antipsychotics<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Antipsychotics can also cause dry mouth in patients. They can also cause involuntary jaw movement that causes tooth wear or jaw irritation.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although these medications can cause dental-related issues, they shouldn\u2019t necessarily be a reason for older adults to avoid them altogether unless it becomes a serious problem.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3>Nutrition and dental health<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dailybreeze.com\/2021\/10\/21\/alzheimers-whisperer-why-drinking-water-is-good-for-dementia\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fear of water<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> 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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Older adults may also see their sense of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nia.nih.gov\/health\/smell-and-taste\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">taste diminish in their later years<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. 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\u2019t taste as good anymore.<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3>Signs of dental problems<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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 <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/when-should-you-really-go-to-the-dentist\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">when you need to schedule a trip to the dentist<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Wincing while chewing<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: This is a clear indication of pain or irritation in the mouth.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Avoiding foods that are too hot or cold<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: This could be a sign of a sore spot, cavity, or other tooth damage that should be addressed.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Biting their inner cheek or lip<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: An accidentally bitten cheek or lip could be a sign of a dental issue.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Drooling<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: 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.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>A white film on their tongue<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: While this could be a simple, easily remedied issue, it could also be a sign of a larger problem and should be examined professionally.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Bad breath even though they\u2019re brushing their teeth<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: This could be the result of a mouth infection, such as gum disease.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>A swollen spot or a pimple on their gum underneath a tooth<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: A bump on the gums could be a cyst or an abscess that should be inspected by a professional.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Not letting you look at or clean their mouth<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: This could be a definite sign of pain or discomfort within the mouth, which could be a result of a problem that needs attention.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many of these issues can be easily observed, but some of them can be easier to witness while helping with regular oral hygiene.<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3>Helping your loved one with dental hygiene<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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 <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/common-dental-prescriptions\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">dentist-prescribed medication or equipment<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Guiding them through the process can make a big difference.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Provide short, simple instructions<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Explain dental care by breaking directions into easy steps<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Demonstrate<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: 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.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Try different types of toothbrushes<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: 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.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Floss regularly<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Keeping up with regular flossing makes the process easier to do, and helps promote good gum health.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Be aware of potential mouth pain<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: This is a great time to look out for oral pain that could be a sign of a dental problem.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Clean their teeth for them<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: 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.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3>Finding dental care for your loved one<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People with memory disorders have some factors to take into consideration when looking for a dentist. It\u2019s 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.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Where to find a dentist<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are several ways to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/dentists\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">find a local dentist<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. 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\u2019s living arrangements. There are, however, a couple of options that you may want to look into if you\u2019re concerned about finances or finding a dentist that can accommodate memory loss needs:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Dental schools<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: 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.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>House-call dentists<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: 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.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Choosing the right dentist is important. It\u2019s 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\u2019s care.<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3>Questions to ask a dentist<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When helping someone with dementia find a suitable dentist, it\u2019s 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 <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/what-to-know-before-seeing-the-dentist-if-you-havent-gone-in-a-while\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">haven\u2019t visited the dentist in a long time<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Some important questions, as well as the reasoning behind them, include:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>What is your and your staff\u2019s experience working with patients who have Alzheimer\u2019s?<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even if your dentist has experience working with patients with Alzheimer\u2019s, it isn\u2019t 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\u2019s.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Would you be able to provide special accommodations during appointments if needed?<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s 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.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>What dental procedures are unsafe for patients with Alzheimer\u2019s Disease?<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This question can help you to understand the considerations they have made for patients with Alzheimer\u2019s. It can also help you to understand the risks of certain procedures that may be better performed in a hospital or by a specialist.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Do you provide any home care or mobile dentistry services?<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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 <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/tips-on-helping-your-doctors-coordinate-your-care\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">coordinate care from multiple doctors<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Should I be concerned about dental sedation?<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/sedation-dentistry\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sedation dentistry<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> may be an option for patients who experience anxiety or severe stress in the potentially uncomfortable setting of a dentist&#8217;s office. A person with a memory disorder may also have additional issues due to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/what-to-know-about-the-4-main-types-of-anesthesia\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">different types of anesthesia<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. 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.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>How do you accommodate patients who are unwilling to receive care?<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s important to know how a dentist&#8217;s office will handle issues that come up with patients who may be uncooperative while stressed or having a bad day.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Affording dental care for your loved one<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Senior Discounts<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Some dentist offices may offer senior discounts, so it\u2019s a good idea to ask about them.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Cash Pay Incentives<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Some procedures may cost less if paying with cash, rather than through insurance plans.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>In-House Membership plans<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: 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.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Medicare<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Standard dental visits and procedures are <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.medicare.gov\/coverage\/dental-services\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">not covered by Medicare<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. However, it may help cover life-threatening dental surgeries.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>FSA<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: A Flexible Spending Account can be used to cover some dental procedures not covered by insurance.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Additional memory disorder resources<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alz.org\/\"><b>Alzheimer\u2019s Association<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: The Alzheimer\u2019s Association provides resources and information for people at different stages of memory loss and their families.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/depts.washington.edu\/mbwc\/resources\/living-with-memory-loss\"><b>The University of Washington Living with Memory Loss<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: This handbook offers information, context, and a roadmap for those who have been diagnosed with a memory disorder.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Additional dental health resources<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/oralhealth\/index.html\"><b>CDC Oral Health<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: The CDC\u2019s Oral Health index provides resources and information related to oral health, including potential problems and how to recognize and avoid them.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ada.org\/resources\/community-initiatives\"><b>ADA Community Initiatives<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: This page contains information on initiatives to spread dental health awareness and access.<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h1 style=\"text-align: center;\">Need a doctor\u2019s appointment? Find one on\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/\">Zocdoc<\/a>.<\/h1>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Studies have shown a potential link between dental health issues and memory disorders. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":82,"featured_media":20073,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[227],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-20074","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-guides","reviewer-dr-nassim-assefi","specialist_by_city-dentists"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Oral Health And Memory Disorders: A Guide For Caregivers - Guides<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Studies have shown a potential link between dental health issues and memory disorders. 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