Our Services > Special Needs Dentistry > Alzheimer's Disease Dentistry
Alzheimer's Disease Dentistry
Alzheimer’s dementia is characterized by the gradual breakdown of a person’s memory, periods of confusion, increased aggression and irritability, and eventually the loss of speaking ability. At Diamond Bar Surgery Center we understand the pain of watching a loved one experience the progressive stages of the disease and we are here to help them maintain their oral health as comfortably as possible. Alzheimer’s patients, due to their memory loss, frequently have extremely poor oral hygiene. They simply forget to brush their teeth. Additionally, people with Alzheimer’s may never mention when they are experiencing pain so caregivers should watch for rubbing of the jar, moaning or flinching when being touched, or refusal to drink or eat, all which can be signs of dental problems.
Medications used to treat Alzheimer’s can result in the side effect Xerostomia, often called dry mouth. As well as a dry mouth it is sometimes accompanied by burning, tongue or throat irritation, and mouth ulcerations. The reduced saliva puts them at a higher risk for tooth decay. If you have a loved one who is dealing with Alzheimer’s consider regular appointments to our office in Diamond Bar, CA, where Dr. Adams provides the best specialized care in the Southern California area.
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