Finding a Dentist who understands Dementia

[Needmoresleep]

My mother needs to go to the dentist. Before dementia it is not something she did very often, and possibly has not been for a decade. She is lucky that her teeth are relatively good.

However she is now asking to see a dentist, though I don't know the reason for this change of heart. Her lucidity varies greatly from day to day so I would like to make sure there is no underlying gum infection. I need someone who understands the impact of dementia, and the importance of preserving her teeth. I fear it is too late for her to adapt to false teeth, indeed she struggles to recognise when her toothpaste runs out.

Any ideas of how I would go about it. Her sheltered housing has given me a long list but wont make recommendations.

She can afford to go private.

Does she need one who comes to her or can she make it to a dental practice?

Have no idea how you would go about it. We just got lucky with the local dentist and dad. She patiently ignores his requests to take all his teeth out because he thinks they are too sharp and just files them a little from time to time. Can your gp recommend someone?

Alas, I think you'd have to ring round and ask, or have a google for dentists specialising in special needs maybe?

Have PM'd yo with a couple of local suggestions.

Is there a community dental service in your area? I referred a couple of my patients to the service in my area as they struggled with normal dentist appointments. If mum is known to a dementia service they may be able to advise on how to make contact or they may be able to refer for you.

Thanks everyone. Good to know there is such a thing as a Community Dental Service. I will ask SS, GP and the Memory Clinic.

I have now found the following Fact Sheet on the Alzheimers Org website.

www.alzheimers.org.uk/site/scripts/documents_info.php?documentID=138

It fits in with my feel that my mother is middle stage dementia and that any treatment should be kept to a minimum. The real issue will be maintenance, and at the moment I feel she is better off trying to preserve her own teeth as she wont be able to adjust to dentures. Hence the need for a dentist who will take a more holistic approach, rather than a drill and fill merchant.

Managing someone else's life raises so many issues.