Preventing malnutrition in older adults – a guide to care
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Dental health and care is often overlooked in later life but is especially important for older adults.
Looking after teeth, gums and dentures
If you have ever suffered from toothache or a mouth ulcer, then you will know just how important it is to have healthy teeth and gums.
In later life, we are more prone to dental problems – loose or missing teeth, gum infections, and decay.
This can be painful and lead to all sorts of chewing and swallowing problems. These can seriously affect our general health and also affect what we eat and our ability to take essential medicines.
Unfortunately, older adults who are housebound or living in residential care can find it especially difficult to get help to look after their teeth, especially in an emergency.
Dental care in later life
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
Looking after dentures
If you need to help look after someone’s dentures then this is a good video:
Helping someone living in a care home
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.
The relatives and residents association have produced this comprehensive booklet about mouth and teeth care for older people.
Helping someone with dementia
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.
When someone refuses help
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.
Finding a dentist
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:
