Home Care Services: Seniors need to make good oral care a priority.
According to the CDC, nearly 2 in 3 seniors have gum disease. Left untreated gum disease can cause tooth loss. It can also make existing health conditions worse and increase the chances of heart attack and stroke in seniors. Oral care is something that many seniors don’t like to talk about but it’s something that impacts all seniors. If you or your home care services provider notice that your senior loved one is not brushing their teeth or if they show symptoms of receding gums you should talk to them about personal care. They may be reaching a point where they need help brushing and flossing their teeth. January is Receding Gums Awareness Month so it’s a great time to talk with your senior loved one about oral care and things they can do to prevent receding gums and tooth decay like:
Use An Electric Toothbrush
Seniors may find it difficult to brush their teeth well because they have trouble gripping a regular toothbrush. They also may have trouble making the brushing motion needed to get their teeth clean. While a 24-hour home care provider that helps with personal care can help a senior brush their teeth it also helps if your senior loved one has an electric toothbrush. Modern electric toothbrushes aren’t that expensive and they are lightweight. They do a much better job of cleaning teeth and gums than a manual toothbrush can do. Every senior should be using an electric toothbrush to brush their teeth twice a day.
Use An Antibacterial Rinse
Rinsing with an antibacterial or anti-plaque rinse is important for seniors because it can be a good follow-up to brushing. Seniors who may not be doing a great job brushing their teeth because it’s physically difficult for them can benefit from using an antibacterial rinse to get rid of any leftover germs in the mouth. A combination rinse with fluoride and antibacterial agents can help seniors kill germs and keep their teeth strong.
Get Regular Dental Cleanings
Even with help from a 24-hour home care provider, there is no substitute for professional dental cleanings. Your senior loved one should be getting professional dental cleanings every six months in order to prevent receding gums, tooth loss, and other dental problems. Many dental insurance plans cover the cost of cleanings completely so there’s no excuse for seniors to not get regular dental cleanings.
Drink Lots Of Water
Drinking water will prevent dry mouth which can contribute to receding gums. Drinking water also helps stimulate saliva production and washes away bacteria, plaque, and bits of food that can cause tooth decay. Seniors should make it a priority to drink at least eight glasses of water each day. Teas that contain anti-inflammatory and antibacterial herbs like lavender, chamomile, and peppermint are also highly recommended for seniors to drink. A 24-hour home care provider can encourage your senior loved one to drink water throughout the day and make them tea also.
If you or an aging loved-one is considering Home Care in Waltham, MA, please contact the caring staff at Visiting Nurse & Community Care today. (781) 643-6090
Source:
https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/basics/adult-oral-health/adult_older.htm