How should dental care change as dementia progresses?

As dementia progresses, dental care should increasingly prioritise prevention, comfort, function, familiar routines and caregiver support. Capacity remains decision-specific, while non-verbal changes in eating, sleep or behaviour may signal oral pain.

Which adaptation most improves cooperation in your experience?

Editorial medication perspective:

For a common risk modifier, read Xerostomia: A Neglected Burden in Oral Health dentalreach.today/xerostomia-a-neglected-burden-in-oral-health Polypharmacy-related dry mouth can accelerate caries, denture discomfort and oral infection and should be reviewed repeatedly.

Editorial disease-prevention perspective:

Review Root Caries in Older Adults: Clinical Management Guide dentalreach.today/root-caries-in-older-adults-clinical-management-guide Dexterity, dependence, diet, fluoride and caregiver-delivered plaque control directly affect root-caries activity.