Tooth care is really important with people with dementias.  They tend not to take good care of their teeth, caregivers tend to drag their feet with assisting, and tooth and gum infections are rampant.  Regular dentist appointments matter.  For us that means taking her to the dentist when she has no ability to stand or use her legs.  But we managed it anyway a few weeks ago.  And despite our best efforts, two teeth are infected.

My mom has two teeth that need pulled.  And I would be lying if I said I wasn’t concerned.  I know what any anesthetic does with Lewy Body Dementia, but I also know she will need it.  How will we get her there and back with no function in her legs?  What if she has a bowel movement explosion while there?  Getting her on and off the potty without the use of her legs is no small task without her lift.  What if the bathroom is small?  (And no, briefs cannot contain and explosive bowel movement).  And how will we keep her fed well enough after?  What if she has a bad reaction?

It’s a couple of weeks away.  But if you think of us, pray for us.

And as always, we go forward with His grace.