Senior Health: Does your elderly loved one receive proper dental care?
When was the last time they went to the dentist? If your elderly loved one doesn’t seem to have dental issues, an annual dental appointment should suffice. However, if their dentist recommends it, they may need an appointment every 6 months for good senior health.
If there are dental issues, the appointments will likely be even closer than that. In addition to these appointments, it is important to know about the most common aging-related teeth issues. If you or caregivers notice these issues for your elderly loved one, be sure to schedule them a dentist appointment.
Gum Disease
One of the most common aging-related teeth issues is gum disease. Your elderly loved one might have this disease if they have gum discomfort, bleeding gums, or pain when they brush their teeth. If your elderly loved one’s gum disease is severe, they may experience tooth loss because of it, as well. If you or caregivers suspect your elderly loved one has gum disease, be sure to schedule them a dental appointment as soon as possible.
Dry Mouth
Many senior citizens experience dry mouth. There are many things that can cause this issue. Some of these things include dental disease, medication side effects, and just getting older. If your elderly loved one is dehydrated, this can cause dry mouth, too. If this is the case, make sure your elderly loved one is drinking more water throughout the day. If they have dry mouth for other reasons, make sure this is mentioned to their dentist.
Sensitive Teeth
How sensitive are your elderly loved one’s teeth? If they are extremely sensitive or enough so that they bother your elderly loved one, you should get them special toothpaste for this issue. It should also be mentioned to their dentist. There could be something causing it besides just getting older.
Tooth Decay
Your elderly loved one might have tooth decay. After years of eating unhealthy foods, sometimes the teeth just don’t hold up. Even if your elderly loved one has received regular dental care, this could still be an issue.
Conclusion
These are some of the most common aging-related teeth issues. If you need someone to take your elderly loved one to the dentist, don’t hesitate to hire caregivers. The caregivers can also mash up food and help your elderly loved one with other teeth and oral-related issues to keep them in good senior health.
If you or an aging loved-one is considering hiring a Caregiver in Medford, MA, please contact the caring staff at Visiting Nurse & Community Care today. (781) 643-6090
Sources
https://medlineplus.gov/