Oral Health Intervention Pilot Study for Individuals With Memory Problems

The dental hygienist will assess the IMD's tooth brushing technique and will provide specific feedback on the tooth brushing technique, including areas of the dentition missed in brushing. The IMDs will be given a powered toothbrush that records time, date and duration of toothbrushing activity, along with the direction and extent of motion of the toothbrushing activity. In addition, use of interdental cleaning aids will be recommended. The dental hygienist will review the findings from the oral health evaluation with the IMDs and caregivers, and provide detailed feedback on treatment and prevention of the oral health conditions and symptoms. The dental hygienist or study coordinator will call subjects by telephone biweekly to monitor oral hygiene practices and to provide coaching, if needed. Oral hygiene technique assessments will be conducted again three months after the first visit, and once more three months later, at the end of the intervention.