Dental Health

Regular brushing remains important for anyone with their own teeth. This leaflet is recommended by the British Dental Association and suggests that for some, an electric toothbrush might make brushing easier.

The British Society of Gerodonotology goes into more detail in this leaflet with specific instructions on how to help someone and how to get hold of more specialised toothbrushes

If you need to help look after someone’s dentures then this is a good video:

National research shows that care home residents are more likely to have missing or decayed teeth and to need help to look after their teeth and gums but many care homes overlook this aspect of care.

They are advised to prioritise oral health and ensure that staff know how they can support their residents with their daily mouth and denture care.

When someone has dementia, problems with memory, coordination or other physical challenges can introduce some specific concerns for their dental health. The Alzheimers Society has covered the key priorities on their website at this link.

Someone with delirium, dementia or another cognitive problem might resist efforts to help them clear their teeth at home, hospital or in care.

 This video gives plenty of helpful tips.

In an emergency you should contact NHS 111.

Some high street dentists do provide home based care – your own dentists might be able to advise or try searching for terms like “domiciliary dental ” or “home dental” or “mobile dental”.

Otherwise, you might find it helpful to contact the community dental service, These services provide treatment for elderly housebound people, people with mental or physical health problems or any disabling conditions which prevents them from visiting a dentist in the high street.

These links will take you to relevant information about community dental services in:

• England
• Wales
• Scotland
• Northern Ireland