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My mom has moderate severe dementia and the dental hygienist says she has stage 2 periodontal disease. My friend says that there's nothing that can be done because she fights off anyone who tries to help her brush her teeth. She also said to not worry so much about it because there's nothing that can be done. The caregivers at her memory care cannot force her to brush and floss because they can get bitten and hurt. She already fights them and screams when they give her a shower. I'm afraid my mom will lose the last of her teeth and I called a dentist to come and see her. Am I in a losing battle? I stay awake at night because it stresses me out thinking about it. She has always worn dentures, and has 6 teeth on the bottom. She eats great, but it's a chore to even get her to put her top dentures on. She doesn't even care if she doesn't have them on. She'd rather not even wear her dentures. So, I want for her bottom teeth to stay intact so it's easier for her to eat. She refuses for anyone to brush her teeth and wants to do it herself, but she doesn't brush thoroughly. And, flossing, forget about it. Caregivers will not put their hands in her mouth and risk getting bit or hit.

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my sister has alzheimer's & refuses to wear her top & bottom dentures! She gets a long just fine! She was eating chopped up food ( you would be surprised how the gums become tougher to chew food) As her dementia has progressed she now has pureed foods so she does not choke!
They forget how to chew their food! Hope this is helpful?
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There comes a time when teeth start to decay no matter what you do. Dad is 90 and is missing many teeth, they are literally falling apart in his mouth.. He does not want dentures and is happy to gum his food. It does not bother him that he is snaggle toothed. Dad does not have dementia and lives mostly independently.

I would stop worrying about your mother's teeth.
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You might want to ask your mom's PCP about some anxiety reducing drugs. Fighting staff is a symptom of anxiety - she must not recognize these people as helpers. Can you imagine having the mentality of a little kid and have people trying to make you do things? I'd be scared out of my mind. There's no way I want mthr scared. Medication is the answer.

Once mthr was on Seroquel, she was much happier. She will brush her teeth if you put the readied brush into her hands and tell her what to do. She was at a point where no one could change her depends and she tried wearing a wet one all day. We gave her a pill and in an hour we could change her. Sad but meds are needed to keep them comfortable and happy.

Mthr lost several teeth that just fell out after her surgery, but we were warned that tooth and hair loss could be a side effect. She was concerned enough to show the spot to anyone who would look, but she forgot quickly. I appreciate you wanting your mthr to have those dentures as long as possible, but her time without them may be close.
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Stage 2 is nothing to worry about, she will most likely die before it reaches a serious level. Forget about it.
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