Elderly patients with dementia suffer from poor oral hygiene
Dementia causes major changes - also in terms of dental health. Research shows that a clear link between dementia and poor oral hygiene. The medicine they are demented, also helps that they get dry mouth, which gives a much greater risk of caries and fungal infections. Dentists, nurses and caregivers should be much more focus on the elderly who can not maintain a normal life.
Birita Ellefsen who is a dentist, assistant professor, Ph.D. and researcher at the School of Dentistry in Copenhagen, has over the last year examined the relationship between dementia and dental health, and the result is striking. Birita Ellefsens study thus shows that the dementia had an average of 7 cavities, even when they were diagnosed with dementia, which says something about the problems that the demented have with their oral hygiene.
It could mean a significant diminution of the quality of life. The consequence of poor oral hygiene may include be pain or discomfort, which may cause difficulty in eating. At worst it may mean that they completely stop eating. It is therefore important that older people with dementia and their families receive the proper guidance on how to relate to dental care when they are diagnosed, emphasizes Birita Ellefsen.
- Dementia patients need a customized dental care. And here dentists the opportunity to make a difference and help to ensure that newly diagnosed dementia patients receive the prevention, care and attention they need. We have a responsibility as health professionals to help cover the care and treatment needs that just in the elderly with dementia, says the invitation from Birita Ellefsen.
Birita Ellefsen is among speakers at the Dental Association's two-day Symposium on 6-7th November. Slightly more than 1,600 dentists and 600 dental assistants participating in the event that has the medical compromised patients as the main theme and takes place in Aarhus, the Radisson SAS Scandinavia Hotel.
- It is always good to get updated - and expanded - its professional knowledge and skills, and of course also applies to dentists. Both for the individual dentist's challenges and everyday life, but also very much aimed at patients. That dentists retraining and follows up with the latest treatments and developments in dentistry, patients come into the chair for the benefit, says Dental Association President Susanne Andersen.
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