Dental Health and Dementia

When supporting someone with dementia, it’s common for daily routines – like brushing teeth or caring for dentures – to become more difficult over time. While these tasks may seem small, good oral health plays a big role in overall well-being. It helps with comfort, nutrition, communication and self-esteem. Without regular care, minor dental issues can become uncomfortable and may affect eating or daily routines – but with the right support, they’re easy to stay on top of.

In this guide, we look at how dementia can affect oral health and share simple, reassuring ways to help a loved one maintain their dental hygiene at home.

Understanding the link between dementia and dental health

People living with dementia may gradually lose the ability to carry out basic self-care tasks, including brushing their teeth or recognising when something is wrong. They might forget how to clean their teeth, be reluctant to let others help or struggle to communicate pain or discomfort. As a result, dental problems such as cavities, gum disease and oral infections often go unnoticed and untreated.

Oral health challenges can also stem from:

Dry mouth, often caused by medications
Reduced dexterity, making brushing and flossing harder
Changes in diet, including increased sugary snacks or comfort foods
Swallowing difficulties, which may lead to food remaining in the mouth
A lower pain threshold, where discomfort from dental issues leads to agitation or refusal to eat

Over time, poor oral health can affect a person’s physical and emotional well-being. That’s why it’s so important to build oral care into the daily routine – in a way that feels safe, familiar and respectful.

Why oral health matters in dementia care

Taking care of oral health goes beyond just fresh breath or a bright smile – it supports important daily activities and overall well-being, including:

Eating and nutrition: Comfortable teeth and well-fitting dentures make it easier to enjoy meals and maintain good nutrition.
Communication: A healthy mouth helps with clear speech, making it easier to express needs and stay connected.
Comfort and dignity: Keeping the mouth comfortable helps your loved one feel at ease and respected.
Overall health: Good oral care contributes to general wellbeing and can support other aspects of health.

Supporting oral hygiene at home can help keep your loved one comfortable, reduce the chance of complications and make everyday life more pleasant for everyone involved.

Common dental health problems in people with dementia

Being aware of common oral health concerns can help you spot early signs and seek help promptly. These may include:

Tooth decay or cavities
Gum disease (gingivitis or periodontitis), leading to swollen, bleeding gums
Dry mouth (xerostomia), increasing the risk of decay and infections
Oral thrush, especially in denture wearers
Mouth ulcers or cracked lips
Tooth grinding (bruxism), often linked to stress or discomfort
Ill-fitting dentures, which can cause pressure sores and difficulty eating

It’s also important to be alert to changes in behaviour that might signal mouth pain – such as refusing food, increased agitation, touching the face or disturbed sleep.

Encouraging better oral hygiene at home

Helping someone with dementia maintain their oral hygiene can be challenging, but small adjustments can make a big difference. Here are some practical ways to support daily care:

Keep it consistent

Try to stick to the same time and place each day for brushing teeth. Familiar routines can reduce anxiety and help reinforce the habit.

Make it a shared activity

If your loved one is reluctant, consider brushing your own teeth at the same time. This can act as a visual prompt and make the process feel more natural.

Use visual aids

Leave a toothbrush and toothpaste out in a visible spot by the sink. A simple diagram or step-by-step photos can help jog memory.

Choose the right tools

Consider using an electric toothbrush, which may be easier for those with limited hand mobility. Soft-bristled brushes are gentler on sensitive gums.

Opt for familiar products

Stick to the same brand of toothpaste if your loved one has preferences. Strong flavours or unfamiliar textures can cause confusion or aversion.

Offer gentle guidance

Use calm, clear instructions or hand-over-hand guidance if needed – for example, gently holding their hand and moving it with the brush.

Check dentures regularly

Clean dentures daily and check for signs of wear or discomfort. Encourage your loved one to remove them at night and store them in a clean container.

Be patient and respectful

Always ask for permission before helping and stop if your loved one becomes distressed. Try again later, or distract with music or conversation to reduce any tension.

For many families, this level of ongoing support is difficult to manage alone – which is where live-in care can make a difference. Dementia care at home provides consistent, one-to-one support tailored to your loved one’s routines, including gentle help with personal care and hygiene.

Having the same carer on hand every day can help reduce confusion, build trust and ensure important routines like brushing teeth are not forgotten.

Professional support and dental check-ups

Ideally, people with dementia should have regular dental check-ups to identify issues early. A dentist experienced in treating patients with cognitive impairments can offer tailored advice and care.

If attending appointments is difficult, speak to your dentist about options such as:

Longer appointments with extra time for reassurance
Home visits, if mobility is an issue
Scheduling at quiet times of day when your loved one is most alert
Desensitisation visits to help your loved one get used to the dental setting gradually

Creating a dementia-friendly bathroom

Supporting dental care starts with making the environment easier to navigate. Here are a few tips for adapting the bathroom:

Use bright lighting to clearly see toothbrushes and sink areas
Install grab rails to support balance and mobility
Choose contrasting colours for the sink, toothbrush and cup
Keep items in a consistent layout each day
Use non-slip mats to reduce the risk of falls

Consider leaving a gentle reminder note near the mirror, or using a routine chart with ticks or smiley faces to mark completed tasks.

When to seek help with dental care

Don’t hesitate to seek dental or medical advice if you notice:

Signs of pain or swelling in the mouth
Bleeding gums
Difficulty eating or weight loss
Bad breath that doesn’t go away
Loose teeth or dentures
Changes in mood, behaviour or sleep

Early action can prevent more serious issues and help your loved one stay comfortable and healthy at home.

Dental Health and Dementia | Country Cousins