Maintaining Proper Dental Health in Dementia Patients

An Alzheimer’s diagnosis often impacts every area of an individual’s life. As the disease progresses, the individual with dementia will begin to lose more motor skills and show more signs of memory loss. One of the first signs of dementia is a senior forgetting personal hygiene techniques and maintaining their daily upkeep. If you notice your elderly parent or loved one struggling to care for themselves, it may be time to incorporate a more hands on approach. Proper dental hygiene is necessary for seniors in memory care. Proper oral care is necessary to prevent issues with eating regularly, digestive problems, and dental infections.

Once dementia is diagnosed in your loved one, building a regular dental plan with their dentist will help prevent cavities and other oral issues down the line. You may have to re-teach dental hygiene to your loved one. Proving easy instruction to teeth brushing keeps seniors in memory care focused and calm. Perhaps showing them how to brush can also be beneficial. Try not to be forceful in this technique as it may make your loved one frustrated and scared.

For seniors in memory care that wear dentures, make sure the dentures are being properly cleaned. rinse them with plain water after meals and brush them daily to remove food particles and to limit bacterial growth. Each night, remove them and soak in their designated cleanser. Using a soft thistle toothbrush, clean the gums, tongue, and other soft mouth tissues. Remind your loved one that you’re there to help and keep them safe.

As specialists in memory care, MorningStar’s Memory Care of Arvada, Co is aware of the anxiety and concern that is associated with a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or other memory loss diseases. Regardless of the barrier within your loved ones' memory loss, we continue empathetic techniques with our residents in memory care. By incorporating holistic methods through properly trained personnel, our individualized care plans enhance the health and happiness of our memory care seniors.

Contact us to learn more about MorningStar’s memory care and senior living in Arvada, Colorado. Our staff is happy to answer any questions you have. Our website also provides information on our company’s history and vision, as well as what sets us apart from other senior living facilities in Colorado.

 
The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Arvada, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve. Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to see for yourself our exceptional offering for independent and assisted living in Arvada, Colorado.