Patients with Dementia are at a higher risk of oral health problems. Therefore, they should be prioritizing their oral health. But a research team has looked to see if patients receive the oral healthcare they need, and if they look after their own oral health. In concerning results, they found that oral health is commonly ignored and overlooked in this vulnerable population.
Dementia is a debilitating condition that impacts multiple areas of the lives of those suffering. It involves memory problems and physical issues.
While suffering with dementia is difficult enough, new research has found that dementia patients routinely have their oral health needs overlooked [1].
This concerning finding suggests that significant work needs to be done to ensure that dementia patients receive oral healthcare, which can boost their overall health.
What is Dementia?
Dementia is a syndrome that is associated with ongoing cognitive decline, worsening brain functioning, and physical health issues [2].
Dementia impacts the way someone thinks, sees, feels, remembers and behaves [2]. It is difficult for the person with the condition, as well as their loved ones.
Dementia is a common condition. The study that will be discussed took place in the United Kingdom. In the UK, 1 in 11 people aged over 65 has Dementia.
Research has also shown a connection between poor oral health and an increase in the chance of the onset of dementia in later life [3]. This underlines the importance of looking after our oral health.
The Research
This research was completed by a triumvirate of English universities. The University of Portsmouth, King’s College London and Queen Mary University worked in collaboration for the research, which was published in the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry [1].
The study involved the research team analyzing Care Act assessments for patients with dementia who live at home whilst receiving family support and/or paid care services [1]. This is opposed to someone receiving treatment in a specialized care home or medical facility.
The researchers interviewed caregivers, home-care workers and home-care managers. Moreover, assessments were reviewed, with the aim of seeing how many involved oral health.
Unfortunately, they found that oral hygiene was rarely addressed in these assessments. Therefore, the team pointed out that oral hygiene is essentially forgotten about, and in many cases, not recorded [1].
The team wanted to know why this was the case. During the interviews, they found some common themes. They were told that declining understanding, memory problems and physical disabilities all impacted their ability to complete oral health tasks themselves [1].
Furthermore, the problems were worsened due to inadvertent errors from those caring for the patients – typically caused by limited time, a lack of training and poor communication [1].
However, those being interviewed did show a good understanding of the importance of oral health – which was positive.
The research team put together free checklists that can be used by social workers and home care providers. These checklists were developed in association with experts in dementia and dental care [1].
The checklists feature a list of activities or tasks that each patient should complete. For instance, it includes brushing teeth, using mouthwash, flossing, and attending regular dental check-ups.
Author Comments
The results of the research are concerning to the authors. The research shows that an already vulnerable population is missing out on important oral healthcare.
Dr. Dia Soilemezi from the University of Portsmouth’s Department of Psychology has said that “good mouth and teeth care is important for people living with dementia in their own homes because they are at higher risk of dental problems and may find it difficult to report pain or discomfort” [4].
Continuing, Soilemezi underlines the wider impact of neglecting oral health, saying that “poor oral health not only influences physical health but also impacts self-esteem, dignity, nutrition and quality of life, so it needs to be taken seriously” [4].
Currently, the situation is not being taken seriously. Many dementia patients are seeing their oral health worsen by the day. It is important for policy makers to be aware of these findings, and for them to act to improve the situation.
The checklists put forward by the researchers are helpful. If these checklists are followed, it should result in oral healthcare being a priority for patients, resulting in an improvement in their dental health and overall quality of life.
Looking after oral health is crucial for everyone. But in more vulnerable patients like those with dementia, it is even more important. Therefore, increasing focus on the oral health of dementia patients is vital.
Thinking points…
1) As discussed earlier, research has shown there is a connection between poor oral health and an increased likelihood of having dementia in later life. Therefore, looking after your oral health can boost your chances of avoiding this condition. Remember to attend regular dental check-ups, as these provide a dentist with the chance to look at your oral health and provide advice. We recommend booking an appointment now!
2) Do you know anyone with dementia? The findings of this research are important – especially for those with the condition. Therefore, you could explain this article to them, or share this article with your social network. Increasing awareness of this situation can help to make policy makers aware of the need for change. Why not share the article now?
What we offer at Savanna Dental
Savanna Dental is a dental clinic based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. We provide our patients with a range of treatment options and advice, with the aim of improving oral health and boosting overall wellbeing!
We advise our patients to attend our Calgary-based dental clinic twice a year for a dental check-up. If any problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For instance, these include cavity fillings and root canals. To try and prevent problems, it is important to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss regularly.
Here at Savanna Dental, we also have some cosmetic treatments available! These include dental implants, tooth whitening and Invisalign™! Our patients find that these treatments have a positive impact on their appearance, confidence and self-esteem.
In addition, the fees of our services at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental are set in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide.
We would love you to visit our Savanna Dental clinic in Calgary! You can find out more about us by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca/!
References
[1] Soilemezi, D., Wantonyi, K., Hill, V., & Manthorpe, J. (2023). Views of homecare staff and carers on oral needs and dental care for people living with dementia: A qualitative study. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry. 38 (12): e6039. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/gps.6039.
[2] NHS. (2023). About dementia. Available: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dementia/about/. Last accessed: 23rd March 2024.
[3] Kiuchi, S., Cooray, U., Kusama, T., Yamamoto, T., Abbas, H., Nakazawa, N., Kondo, L., Osaka, K., & Aida, J. (2022). Oral Status and Dementia Onset: Mediation of Nutritional and Social Factors. Journal of Dental Research. 101 (4): p420-427. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/00220345211049399.
[4] University of Portsmouth. (2024). Mouth and dental care for people with dementia often overlooked, study finds. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2024-08-mouth-dental-people-dementia-overlooked.html. Last accessed: 9th August 2024.
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