[Oral health in dementia: Results of a telephone helpline].

BACKGROUND

The complexity of dental care and oral hygiene for people with dementia increases with increasing numbers of residual teeth.

AIM

This study was carried out to determine whether the offer of a telephone helpline on oral health and dementia would be utilized.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Over a period of 1 year contacts received by a telephone helpline manned by three oral healthcare staff were collected and analyzed.

RESULTS

From 01 June 2012 to 31 May 2013 a total of 355 callers (180 healthcare staff and 175 relatives) presented and discussed 2535 problems. The average duration of a call was 21 min. Almost one quarter of the callers were looking for mobile dental care services and 14.4 % were looking for a dentist specialized in caring for patients with dementia. Oral disease, oral care and conflicts between stakeholders on aspects of oral health were discussed. Of the healthcare staff three quarters asked about training to improve the oral health of people with dementia.

CONCLUSION

The demand on the specialists of the helpline showed a substantial knowledge deficit of healthcare staff and relatives. The study confirmed a wide range of oral health issues of people with dementia. Knowledge on oral and denture hygiene and on oral disease could be introduced into primary training and continued professional education. In addition to the lack of knowledge, deficits also exist in the oral healthcare system for people with dementia. Politicians and healthcare stakeholders are encouraged to incorporate oral healthcare for people with dementia into strategies and dementia networks.