Care of mouth and teeth
Good oral health is important for everyone. Having good oral health helps us to eat well, be confident in social settings and feel comfortable being close to family and friends.
Poor oral health leads not only to dental decay and gum disease, but is increasingly being linked with a number of general health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and, most often, pneumonia. Severe toothache, other mouth pain or an infection can also put you at higher risk of delirium (a state of mental confusion if you become unwell)1. It may be difficult for you to communicate clearly about being in pain and this may be expressed through changes in mood or distressed behaviour.
In Scotland, it was found that 81% of 65-74 year olds and 64% of those aged 75 and over had some natural teeth. This means people being diagnosed with dementia are likely to have retained some or all of their own teeth.
Whether you still have your own teeth, wear dentures, or even have no teeth or dentures, it is important that your oral care needs are recognised and addressed.
For more information, please download our information sheet.
