Everyday experiences of people living with dementia and their carers relating to oral health and dental care

Abstract

Little is known about how community-dwelling people with dementia, as well as their carers, look after their oral health and use dental care. This exploratory study aimed to explore the beliefs, experiences and practices about oral health of people living with dementia and their carers. We used an ethnographic qualitative approach conducting face-to-face interviews at home with people living with dementia and/or carers. Interview data and field notes were analysed thematically using framework methods. We approached volunteers registered with the online UK. Join Dementia Research network from whom a total of 17 participants were recruited in 2018. Five interviews were conducted with carers alone, two with a person living with dementia alone, and five with a carer and person with dementia jointly. Three main themes emerged: oral health is not prioritised; access to dental care is shaped by increasing disability; and the importance of continuity of care. While people living with dementia and their carers may view oral health important once prompted, many reported difficulties in undertaking or assisting with daily self-care and accessing dental services, particularly as dementia progresses. We draw out implications for the organisation and delivery of public and private dental services.