Good oral hygiene is important for people of all ages, but the elderly have a greater risk of developing certain dental problems. If your senior loved one’s daily hygiene habits aren’t properly maintained, this risk may increase. Here’s a list of common senior dental problems to watch for.
Dry Mouth
Dry mouth is a result of decreased salivary flow. Certain medications, radiation treatments for cancer, Sjogren’s syndrome, and other diseases can cause dry mouth. This condition can be uncomfortable, but it can also increase the chances of developing oral infections, gum disease, and tooth decay. To prevent dry mouth, your loved one can brush with fluoride toothpaste and drink more water instead of sugary beverages.
Seniors often need help with a variety of personal hygiene tasks, including those required for good oral health. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional home care service. Assisting Hands Home Care is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.
Denture-Related Stomatitis
Denture-related stomatitis refers to the inflamed tissue between a senior’s jaw and his or her dentures. Dentures that don’t fit, poor brushing practices, and Candida overgrowth can all cause this painful condition. However, proper sanitization, ensuring the dentures are removed for 6–8 hours of the day, and professional plaque control are all good preventive measures.
Periodontitis
Also called gum disease, periodontitis is a serious condition that can result in tooth decay and loss. Plaque is the main culprit behind gum disease, but poor dental hygiene can cause bacteria to build up and increase the damage. Certain medications can also make some seniors more likely to develop periodontitis. A regular oral hygiene routine can prevent this condition.
Poor dental health can increase the risk of a variety of health issues in aging adults. If you’re the primary family caregiver for a senior loved one living in Danville, live-in care is available around the clock if your loved one’s health has become too difficult to manage without professional expertise. At Assisting Hands Home Care, we take measures to help seniors prevent illness and injury by assisting with exercise and mobility, preparing nutritious meals, helping with bathing and other personal hygiene tasks, and much more.
Uneven Jawbone
Many elderly people lose their teeth, often as a result of gum disease. When those teeth aren’t replaced, the remaining teeth can shift. Sometimes these teeth just become crooked, but other times this shifting can cause the jawbone to become uneven. An uneven jawbone can lead to problems with biting, which makes it difficult to eat.
If your loved one needs help managing oral hygiene tasks or other activities of daily living, consider hiring a professional caregiver. The type of home care Danville seniors need can vary. Some need assistance a few hours a day, while others require more extensive around-the-clock assistance. At Assisting Hands Home Care, we tailor our care plans based on each senior’s individual care needs, and the plans can be adjusted at any time. If you need professional home care for your loved one, reach out to one of our Care Managers today.
