Research has frequently linked good oral health with overall positive health outcomes. Since seniors are more vulnerable to infections and other medical conditions, oral hygiene is especially important for people in this age group. To help your older loved one maintain healthy teeth and gums, follow these tips.
Encourage Good Hygiene Habits
Brushing and flossing become even more important as people age. This is because oral infections such as gingivitis have been linked to serious health concerns like diabetes, stroke, and heart disease. Some doctors call the mouth “the gateway to the body” because it’s where many medical issues begin. Daily oral hygiene can be one of the best ways to guard your loved one’s overall health, and hiring a professional caregiver can ensure a routine is maintained.
Helping a senior maintain good dental hygiene can be challenging. If you’re the primary caregiver for a senior family member and you need respite care, Harrisburg, PA, Home Care is here to help. Our respite caregivers are trained to assist older adults with a wide variety of everyday tasks, including meal prep, physical activity, and personal hygiene. We also provide 24-hour care and specialized care for seniors with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s.
Schedule Regular Checkups with the Dentist
Some older people are prone to dental issues that can develop rapidly, including receding gums. Getting at least two checkups per year can ensure these issues are caught before they become a serious problem for your loved one. Most dentists also conduct examinations for oral cancer, which occurs in elderly people at a higher rate. Proactive screening can also detect problems early, making successful treatment more likely.
If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Home Care, a leading provider of senior home care families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
Provide Calcium Supplements
Seniors may develop bone loss as they age, including in the bones in the face and jaw. The risk of this complication increases if they smoked during their earlier years. The decrease in bone density can put your loved one at further risk for tooth loss and fracturing. By adding calcium supplements to his or her diet, the loss of bone density can be slowed or halted, leading to better oral health.
Prevent Dry Mouth
Many seniors have issues with dry mouth due to medications often prescribed for people in their age group. In turn, dry mouth can lead to cavities. If your loved one has this issue, consider providing rinses designed to increase saliva production, and also consult with his or her physician about adjusting medications. Some seniors also chew gum to help with saliva production.
Maintaining good dental hygiene is just one of the many ways older adults can boost their quality of life and increase longevity. If you have a senior loved one who needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Home Care, a leading provider of home care service Harrisburg families can rely on. All of our caregivers are bonded, licensed, and insured, there are no hidden fees, and we never ask our clients to sign long-term contracts. Whether your parent needs hourly or live-in care, give us a call at (717) 540-4663 today.