My 90 year old mothers teeth are rotting out of her head and refuses to go to the dentist. Any suggestions to get her to go?

Also make sure your cardiologist and any other specialist you see is Board Certified in their specialty.

Ruggles, Tell your mom not to worry what the dentist will think of her teeth, because he/she already knows. Tell her that her mouth is nothing earthshaking that the dentist hasn't seen a hundred times. Make sure she knows that it won't hurt her because she can be sedated so that she won't care what they're doing in her mouth. Be sure that you've had her blood checked for infections that she may have already gotten as a result of her mouth decay. Take the worry and embarrassment about going to the dentist out of the equation and she'll probably go.

Hi Ruggles, I am guardian of my aunt who has severe senile dementia. I used to think that was an old term...but it unfortunately still applies. Sadly, we were having the same issues similar to yours. She is in an assisted living facility, so I try to keep us all on the same page regarding her health. As for her teeth, which were atrocious, I would set up the appt., fill them in on her demeanor (biting, scratching, hitting...so sad) and what works for me and how to go along with me when we get there. They are ALL my best friends from high school ( so she is more apt to trust them) I smile, sing to her, keep her focused on me until they knock her out. But before we go, I tell her we are going out to her favorite restaurant for lunch...once we arrive at the dentist office, I run in quickly while the attendant is wheeling her into the office, and remind them that they will all be getting hugs from me and to just follow my lead. I, in turn tell my aunt that we are stopping to visit my girlfriend quickly and will be on our way to eat shortly. Once I get her in the chair (she will only let me touch her...very sensitive and yells and screams if anyone else does it) I tell her my gf wants to look at her feet ( always the feet...and she's good with that, thank goodness), I sing to her her favorite song, they start the I.V, knock her out and an hour or so later it's complete...and she's none the wiser. Each moment is a new moment for her. She won't ( doesn't ) remember any of which transpired. So grateful for that...then it's back to assisted living. We never do go out to eat, because I never know what she might be apt to do. Upsets quite easily..I've been smacked a few times, no biggy...I know that it is the disease...not my aunt any longer. Just a thought for you...oh, and I had to find a specialist that deals with dementia, cerebral palsy, special needs children, etc. Well worth every minute to have her teeth done by professionals that deal with it day in and day out. Hope this helps...Good luck to you and God bless!! :)

Rugged, if you do manage to get mom to the dentist have only the minimum work done so she can eat and is healthy. At her age it doesn't make sence to have cosmetic or complicated bridge, caps, 6 visits etc. My moms dentist has been great. He builds up tooth stumps so she can eat, keeps an eye out for infection and keeps things as simple as possible for her.

I can't tell you how to get your Mom to the dentist but I can say that rotting teeth and bad gums can be dangerous. My Dad got sepsis last year and they believe it was because of his teeth. He almost died and the damage from the sepsis has debilitated him permanently. So yes it is a big risk to ignore dental problems.