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Updated: May 26, 2026

Systematic Assessment of Mammalian Skull Specimens for Dental and Temporomandibular Joint Pathology
Published on: August 22, 2022
Biting for attention: a case of dental discomfort manifesting in behavioural problems
Akimichi Inaba1, Ciara Young, Deirdre Shields
1Downshire Hospital, Department of Old Age Psychiatry, Downpatrick, Northern Ireland. akimichi.inaba@doctors.org.uk
Abstract:
There is a dearth of literature describing behaviour that expresses discomfort caused by poor dentition in patients with dementia. In this paper, we report on a patient whose behaviour only abstrusely pointed to his teeth as the source of discomfort. Although changes to his medication over a 2-year period had little effect, eventual extraction of his caries brought about an almost immediate resolution of all antisocial behaviour. Clinicians must be mindful that poor dental care is easily meliorated but remains endemic in patients suffering from dementia.
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