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cont from
Dentures act like magnets to plaque. If dentures are worn, it is important
that oral hygiene is maintained or the increased plaque accumulation will
encourage gum disease and tooth decay.
New dentures are needed when the person loses all their natural teeth or when
existing dentures go missing. In both circumstances the person with dementia may
have difficulty coping with their new set of dentures. They will need to be
encouraged to persevere.
Dentures need to be replaced when they become loose. When dentures have been
worn successfully in the past, the replacement dentures are best constructed
using the key features of the old ones, such as the overall shape and tongue
space. For this reason is is important not to throw away old dentures, but to
take them along to the dentist when the new ones are being constructed.
Denture marking
Naming dentures does not prevent denture loss, but it does mean that when
dentures are found they can be reunited with their owner.
New dentures should be permanently marked during their manufacture. Existing
dentures can be temporarily marked using a simple technique that will last for
six to 12 months. This can be done using a small new piece of kitchen scourer, a
pencil (or alcohol-based pen) and clear nail varnish. The process takes about
ten minutes and can be carried out by a dentist, a dental hygienist or a
caregiver.
First, clean and dry the denture. Then, select an area near the back of the
mouth on the outer surface of the denture. Use a scourer to remove the surface
polish from a portion just large enough to take the person's name. Neatly print
the person's name on the denture, paint with a thin coat of the varnish and
allow it to dry before applying a second thin coat of varnish. Once this has
dried, the denture can be returned to its owner.
Dentures should be checked periodically to ensure the name is still legible
and renewed as necessary.
Denture wearing
Denture loss is common when
people with dementia are in unfamiliar
environments, for example when they are spending time in a
residential home as
respite care.
Replacing lost dentures can present problems. If the person is without their
dentures for any length of time they may forget how to wear them or they may
lose their ability to adapt to a new set.
The individual may also be unable to
co-operate with the dentist while the
new dentures are being fitted. Sometimes intervention by the caregiver (for
example, hand-holding, distraction by encouraging attention through
hand-stroking or talking) may be all that is needed. If co-operation is limited,
a realistic approach may be to provide an upper denture only, for the sake of
appearance.
Eventually, many people with dementia reach a stage where they will no longer
tolerate dentures in their mouth even though they have worn them without
problems in the past.
Finding a dentist
If the person with dementia already has a regular dentist, they should
continue to see the same dentist for routine treatment and preventive advice.
If the person with dementia does not have a dentist they will need to
register with a local dental surgery. Some residential homes have a dentist who
visits on a regular basis.
If the
person's dementia reaches a point where their dentist can no longer
manage their treatment needs, they might be referred to the local Community
Dental Service (CDS). The CDS acts as a safety net for people who are unable to
receive care from a general dental practitioner (high street dentist). The
dentists in the service are usually experienced in providing dental care for
people with disabilities and complex medical conditions.
Details of your local CDS are obtainable from your local health authority.
continue: Coping With Incontinence
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Reviewed: 02/2006
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