If you're one of the 8 million caregivers in Canada, you’ve got a lot on your mind. You understand how difficult it can be to take care of your loved ones dental care.

When you’re caring for a child—or adult—with a disability or neurodegenerative disease such as Alzheimer's, the challenges can be even greater. It may be hard to know how to adapt your routine to include caring for their oral health.

How much help you give will depend on the individual. If the person in your care can do the basics, let them. Some simple adaptations to brushing routines for those with limited motor function or developmental disabilities can include:

• Using an elastic band to help steady the toothbrush in their hands.
• Enlarge the base of the brush for better grip with a sponge, rubber ball or bicycle grip.
• Lengthen the toothbrush by attaching it to a ruler or wooden dowel for better reach.
• Invest in an electric toothbrush or water/air flosser, as they help reach areas that may be getting missed.

Others caregivers may be looking after those with memory issues. People with dementia or Alzheimer's may need someone to clean their teeth every day. The Alzheimer's association recommends these tips for oral health care:

• Provide short, simple instructions. Break it down by telling them each step instead of a general statement such as "brush your teeth".
• Use a "watch me" technique and have your loved one follow along.
• If the person seems agitated or uncooperative, postpone brushing until later in the day.

When in doubt give our office a call or speak to one of our dental Hygienists or doctors.  Maintaining regular check up and cleaning appointments will help your loved one have a healthy mouth for years to come.

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Approximately six million Canadians avoid visiting the dentist every year because of cost. If you do not have insurance or recently lost your coverage and are looking for options to continue you or your family’s dental care, Edmonton has some great resources.

Children Dental Care

• The SHINE Dental Clinic is a student run organization established through the U of A. This organization provides dental care for youth at no cost. Our own Dr. Yeung volunteered at SHINE while he was in dental school.
• U of A Orthodontic Clinic is also a good lower cost option for kids who need braces and may not have coverage or limited orthodontic coverage under their parents insurance.
• NAIT’s Dental Assisting program provides teeth cleaning and fluoride application to kids and teens for a discounted price.

Adult Dental Care

• The Boyle McCauley Health Centre offers dental care to adults who may have difficulties accessing a dental office. They provide treatment for those suffering with mental illnesses, addictions, social barriers, and financial hardships.
• NAIT’s Denturist Technology program provides dentures for patients at a lower rate. All services are provided by the students, under the supervision of a registered practitioner.
• U of A School of Dentistry takes certain patients depending on the schools educational needs for treatment. They teach in their clinics, so it is important to understand that dental care is delivered in an educational setting with faculty supervision.

All these clinics work limited hours and have some requirements prior to becoming patients. But they are great options to be able to continue to get dental care when cost is a factor.

At Sherwood Dental we believe in making dental care as accessible as possible for our patients. We offer payment plans for those without insurance and direct billing for those who wish to not pay up-front. We also accept assistance programs like Non-Insured Heath Benefits, ADSC and IFHP Refugee program. Give us a call if you have any questions regarding fees and how we can help if you're going through a financial transition.

The post How to Care for Your Teeth When You Don’t Have Coverage appeared first on Sherwood Dental.

As you begin to age, you may notice changes that need to be made to keep your mouth healthy. The older you get, it may be even more important than ever to keep on top of your oral care.

Senior dental problems can be common, from dry mouth to gum disease. And since oral health directly impacts the health of the rest of the body, these issues need to be taken seriously. Taking care of elderly teeth and gums is just as important as heart or digestive health.

As you age, you may notice it is more difficult to keep on top of oral hygiene. Perhaps arthritis or limited mobility, makes tooth brushing painful. Or you find you can’t stand at the bathroom sink very long.

You may need to modify your brushing and flossing techniques or try using an electric toothbrush. If standing and mobility is an issue you don't have to be near a sink to brush/floss. All you need is a basin or bowl, to discharge your excess toothpaste, and a cup of freshwater to rinse.

Our Registered Dental Hygienists or doctors can also inform you, or your loved one, about purchasing a fluoride rinse, or a speciality toothpaste that can help fight cavities or sensitivity. There are also some great products available to help combat dry mouth, which is a common side effect that many seniors have from certain medications.

Caring for your teeth and gums is a life long routine. You are never too old to have healthy teeth, and you are never too old to stop seeing your dentist. Feel free to give us a call or ask at your next visit on ways to keep your teeth healthy at every age.

The post Taking Care of Your Teeth As You Age appeared first on Sherwood Dental.