Dementia Awareness Week- 15th May 2016

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Good oral health is important for everyone’s health and well-being and quality of life as it offers significant benefits to self-esteem, dignity, social integration, and general nutrition.

Dementia describes different brain disorders that trigger a loss of brain function. These conditions are all usually progressive and eventually severe. It becomes more difficult for someone with dementia to look after their own dental health, this responsibility then falls to the care giver. It is important to establish a dental care programme at, or soon after, a diagnosis.

Dementia sufferers may be taking medication for a number of conditions. They may also be prescribed antidepressants or – less often – anti psychotics and sedatives. A common side effect of these medications id a dry mouth. Saliva acts as a lubricant and also cleans the mouth and teeth. Lack of saliva can lead to a build-up of plaque and increase the risk of dental decay, gum disease and infection.

It’s important to maintain regular dental appointments where the dentist can apply chlorhexidine and fluoride varnishes to help prevent decay at the necks of the teeth.

Assisting dementia patients with brushing can be a difficult task, but remember the bathroom is not the only place for brushing teeth. A basin on a table or the kitchen sink might work better. It also doesn’t have to be the last thing at night before bed or the first thing in the morning. Find a time when both you and the person for whom you are caring for are calm and have time to devote to the task.

Using an Electric toothbrush from an early stage will help the user as they are proven to clean more effectively and the larger handle helps patients with poor grip or manual dexterity. If the process is proving stressful, try implementing some of the techniques you use while helping with personal care, for example distracting them, or using non-verbal communication like touching them on the face and the mouth first before actually commencing care, so they anticipate your actions.

Alzheimer’s Society Stats:

There will be 1 million people with dementia in the UK by 2025
There are 670,000 carers of people with dementia in the UK.
There are 40,000 younger people with dementia in the UK.
The proportion of people with dementia doubles for every five-year age group.

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"From the first moment I contacted Hello Dental I felt reassured and peaceful. My initial phone call to enquire about registering, and to explain my fear of dentists was met with such kindness and helpfulness. I came away from the conversation feeling like I had…"

S.Connell

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H. Gooch

"Hello Dental is a thoroughly well-run practice, with friendly, attentive staff all maintaining very high standards of dental care. The best I have found."

J.C

"My second time with the laser and I can’t thank Neel enough for his supportive and encouraging attitude. Not only have I been needle free for all my treatments, but I can also honestly say I haven’t felt the slightest discomfort. I would have fallen…"

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"6 months ago, I decided to try PRGF – Micro-needling combined with plasma on the recommendation of the practice to improve my skin. I have fair skin which is quite difficult, and sensitive, but also prone to breakouts and enlarged pores. I found the treatment…"

F.C

"I was referred to Hello Dental when my previous NHS dentist retired. I cannot express how delighted I am with the results and only regret not having come along sooner! From the start, it felt like a Rolls Royce service at Hello Dental, the practice…"

Sophie Davey

"I first went to see Neel after he came highly recommended by a colleague, and I was looking for someone to fix some poor work I had previously done through the NHS. The fact that Neel is still my dentist after 5 years is a…"

Darrell

"I have had a fear of the dentist my whole life. I recently had root canal treatment with Neel and can honestly say “it was a piece of cake”. He explained everything, was so patient with me and best of all, there was absolutely no…"

G. Shadbolt

"I came in a nervous wreck, but the time I spent with Neel was a good experience. Very patient, gentle, and understanding. Everyone was helpful, and friendly and will definitely be coming back for my treatment."

L. Bowen

"Everytime I visit Hello Dental I leave feeling positive, which after past experiences with previous dentists is amazing. The team are so helpful and considerate"

J. Mail

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Michelle Cannon

21:16 09 Dec 22

Been with this practise for some years. Always see Helen. Brilliant dentist. Always thorough and makes you feel at ease. Dental assistants are friendly, kind and gentle. Top class dentists and staff. Highly recommend.Mrs cannon

AMY WHITE

21:08 24 May 22

I’m extremely anxious about going to the dentist and it’s taken me years to even sit and have treatment. I had a great dentist in London so finding the right practice for me in Colchester was so important as I’m finally able to get through it. Hello Dental are brilliant! Everyone puts me at ease and I am always in control. They are kind, welcoming and take my phobia seriously. Thanks so much for taking care of me and enabling me to get the treatment I need!

Lizzie Fitch

13:04 29 Apr 22

This is by far the BEST dentist I have EVER been to! Helen is amazing, knowing I’m not a big fan of the dentist she is so gentle and explains everything before she does it. The girls in the surgery are absolutely lovely! I feel like I’ve gained 5 sisters every time I walk in there! always having a giggle! Got themselves a customer for life ☺️

Julia Gant

09:15 29 Mar 22

Best dentist I have been too, everyone is so friendly and very helpful. They all have a lot of knowledge, I no longer dread going to the dentist.

Stacy Barnard

16:32 28 Mar 22

I have been going to hello dental for a few years now and I must say you get what you pay for, the service is exemplary and all the staff are so polite and friendly. I never really liked going to the dentist because of previous experiences but I trust them 100% and would highly recommend them. Also the clinic is so clean which is something I always look for! So if you are looking for a dentist this is definitely the place to go.

David Ambrose

11:42 24 Mar 22

If you're looking for a kind, calm and supportive dentist Hello Dentist are brilliant. After having a very poor experience with my last dentist I was very reticent at attending the dentist again but Hello Dental understood were non critical and have helped me to regain confidence in the dentist profession. If you are anxious about attending the dentist then is highly recommend this dentist.

Leanne Churchyard

13:07 23 Feb 22

I started using Hello Dental three years ago after a bad experience with a previous dentist.They have been outstanding.The reception staff, are always incredibly helpful and polite. The dental team always take their time to listen to you and explain any treatment fully.You are always provided with a written quote for any work which needs to be undertaken, which I really like.

Nicole Gooby

19:15 01 Jan 22

I have nothing but great things to say. The whole team are lovely and helpful. I would recommend to anyone 😀

tayo agoro

18:41 11 Nov 21

Great Team as a whole. Right from the receptionist team to the dentists, everyone is fantastic. This team makes the fear of a dentist a myth. Always smiling and alway willing to help.

Lesley Ellis

17:19 25 Oct 21

Everyone in the team is so kind , caring and friendly. They will listen to you and help ease any fears you may have. Highly recommend this practice

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Dementia Awareness Week- 15th May 2016

Dementia Awareness Week- 15th May 2016

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