fbpx

Dental Care For a Loved One With Alzheimers

What is a Sinus Lift? A Professional Overview
October 29, 2021
Diabetes and Your Oral Health
December 2, 2021
What is a Sinus Lift? A Professional Overview
October 29, 2021
Diabetes and Your Oral Health
December 2, 2021
Show all

Dental Care For a Loved One With Alzheimers

Alzheimer’s Disease is a progressive, degenerative disease of the brain that slowly robs its victims of their memories and ability to function. This can be particularly hard on those who care for an individual with Alzheimer’s as they watch the person they love lose themselves little by little. One of the ways you can take care of a loved one suffering from this Disease is dental care.

Who should provide Dental Care?

A board certified periodontist can provide dental care for someone living with Alzheimer’s. They are specially trained in working with people who have memory loss or cognitive decline, and they know how to work around the unique challenges that come with these types of patients. For example, suppose an individual has dementia or other issues associated with it, like anxiety. In that case, they know how to work around these issues and treat the patient as best as possible.

How do they do it?

Board certified periodontists have a few different ways of providing dental care to those living with memory loss or cognitive decline. They may work in conjunction with the Alzheimer’s patient’s primary doctor to get regular checkups when their symptoms begin to emerge. They could also provide referrals for physical therapy if the person starts to have issues with their motor skills. In addition, board certified periodontists may also offer referrals for speech therapy if the patient stops speaking or becomes more complicated when asked a question.

Why is dental care necessary for Alzheimer’s patients?

Alzheimer’s patients need regular dental care because it can prevent them from developing potentially lethal infections. The bacteria in the mouth start crawling their way toward other parts of the body unless they are dealt with, and this could lead to a systemic infection that affects more than just your gums or teeth. In addition, poor oral hygiene can make it difficult for Alzheimer’s patients to eat and swallow, further compromising their health.

Can I do it at home?

No, you should not attempt to provide dental care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s. Board certified periodontists are specially trained in how to work around the unique challenges of these patients so they can get the best possible treatment without causing any unnecessary stress or anxiety. Providing good oral hygiene is crucial if an individual wants to prevent infections and other serious health problems. Board-certified periodontists can provide the best possible care for a patient.
In conclusion, board-certified periodontists are specialists in the dental care field who can provide excellent treatment for those living with Alzheimer’s or memory loss. They know how to work around these unique challenges and give their patients as much freedom as possible, which is vital to maintain a good quality of life. It is important to get regular dental care if you’re going to prevent systemic infection and other serious problems, which board-certified periodontists can provide.