There are a few reasons why your loved one’s teeth and gums may be hurting, but fortunately, it’s treatable.
Why Brushing Before Bed is So Important
When most people snack before bed, they brush their teeth before turning in for the night. This prevents food from sitting on the teeth and breaking down the enamel. Unfortunately, some of our Alzheimer’s and dementia patients aren’t able to clean their teeth if they decide to eat before bed. If the caregiver doesn’t know that the patient is going to bed with food in their teeth, they may be surprised when their loved one develops cavities or sensitivity. That’s when we get called in to diagnose and treat the issue.
Treating Sensitivity in Geriatric Patients
When we treat patients with sensitive teeth and sore gums, we want to get to the cause of why they are experiencing pain. It could be because they have poor oral hygiene habits. The caregiver may be brushing too hard, or they can’t get to the hidden areas in the back of the mouth. Dry mouth caused by certain medications can also lead to sore gums. Sensodyne toothpaste and Closest products are what we use and recommend for patients with sensitivity. We also take time to educate the caregiver about proper brushing techniques that are easier and more efficient for thoroughly cleaning the mouth. If the patient has a cavity, we can usually avoid drilling and use the ARREST treatment to stop the decay.
Signs Your Loved One is Experiencing Tooth Pain
When a patient has dementia, they may not be able to tell you when they are experiencing pain or where it is coming from. If the patient stops eating, holds the side of their face, or winces when you brush their teeth, those are signs that they are experiencing oral discomfort. They should see a dentist to make sure they don’t have an abscessed tooth, as that can be life-threatening.
Contact us to schedule a consultation and get care
In Home Mobile Dental Services
Serving patients who may be homebound, bedbound, or may have a form of dementia. Our dentists are compassionate, empathetic, and highly skilled in their field. View our traveling dentistry services below, and contact your nearest provider to request a consultation or care.
