Her diet is horrible; she basically eats sweets/baked goods all the time. In the last few months three of her front teeth have broken off. I suspect that they are full of cavities and that’s why they’re breaking off.
She is willing to go to all of her other doctor appointments without too much reluctance, she’s scheduled for cataract surgery in March, she has congestive heart failure that requires her to have a cardiologist visit every 6 months, etc. But she refuses to go to the dentist.
I called her dentist, it’s been going on 3 years since her last visit, they are adamant about getting her in, but she won’t budge.
Is it vanity/embarrassment, or is it a sign of early dementia? I’m looking to change her primary care physician, as she never seems to discover any of the real problems when my mother visits.
My biggest fear is that her gums may become infected.
Is there a way to force someone to go to the dentist?
Thanks for any suggestions.