Alzheimer’s patients’ dental needs are most often unnoticed. This is due to explicable reasons like the patient’s lack of memory which results in inadvertent dental neglect. Alzheimer’s disease medications may also cause dry mouth which can result in tooth decay. Also, focus on other health issues causes the families of patients to lose contact with their dentist. Optimum oral health can make eating and digesting food much easier for Alzheimer’s patients. This alone can help make life in general better for them. If you have a family member who has Alzheimer’s disease or are a caregiver for one, there are a few tips and techniques that you can do to help your loved one sustain good oral health. Just like anyone, teeth should be brushed twice daily. Find a toothbrush that the Alzheimer’s patient can handle which should also be easy for you to use if assistance is necessary. An electric toothbrush may be a good investment if the vibration can be handled. Toothpastes can be replaced with toothpowder or something else if it makes the job harder. Fluoride rinse or gel can be a good alternative. dentists colorado springs will inform you that flossing once a day is essential. Floss holders can make it easier for patients with weak finger dexterity. Special picks can also be a good alternative in some cases. Anti-microbial solutions can also benefit the patient. Because Alzheimer’s patients are unable to swallow well, their mouths should be cleaned and rinsed well after each and every meal. Using a special soft bristle toothbrush, the roof of the patient’s mouth and gums should be gently brushed. You could get these special brushes from their dentists colorado springs. Dentures should also be cleaned very well. Since Alzheimer’s patients might not be aware of what could happen to them if it is not happening already, their teeth and gums should be thoroughly inspected monthly. Ask their dentists colorado springs for any spot you should watch. Watch out for bleeding and swelling gums. This may be the start of a serious gum problem. Keep a list of the patient’s dental medications as well as the all other medications the patient takes. If pain is felt when chewing or swallowing or if the patient has bad breath, see a dentist at once.
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