Oral health is very important for seniors, but many seniors who are living independently let their oral health slide. If your mom or dad isn’t keeping up their oral health they have an increased risk of gum disease, tooth loss, infections, heart disease, and other significant health problems. 24-hour home care providers can help your mom or dad with tasks like brushing their teeth in the morning and at night.
One of the reasons why seniors living at home often neglect oral health is that they have trouble gripping a small slim toothbrush. They also may not have the manual dexterity to remove a toothpaste tube cap and replace it or squeeze a tube. Seniors with diabetes need to be vigilant about their oral care. They have a higher risk for infections and oral disease because of their diabetes.
With 24-hour home care your mom or dad will always have someone in the home to help them if they need it.
If you’re worried that your mom or dad isn’t keeping up their oral hygiene, try any of these five tips to help them improve their oral health:
1. Floss or Use Alternatives
Brushing alone can’t remove food particles and plaque between teeth, where bacteria tend to hide. Flossing daily is essential for cleaning between teeth and preventing gum disease. However, some seniors may find flossing difficult due to arthritis, limited mobility, or poor vision.
If your mom or dad has a hard time using floss, there are alternatives that may be easier for them to use. Water flossers use a gentle stream of water to clean between teeth, making them a helpful tool for those who struggle with traditional floss.
2. Stay Hydrated to Combat Dry Mouth
Dry mouth is a common issue in seniors, often caused by medications, certain health conditions, or natural aging. Saliva is important for oral health as it helps wash away bacteria and food particles, preventing tooth decay.
Your mom or dad needs to drink water throughout the day to stay hydrated and improve their body’s production of saliva. Chewing sugar-free gum or using lozenges can also help eliminate dry mouth.
3. Eat Tooth-Friendly Foods
Seniors should focus on eating foods rich in calcium and vitamin D that will help their oral health. Make sure that your mom or dad is eating dairy products, leafy greens, and fortified cereals, which support tooth and bone health.
Crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples, carrots, and celery can help clean teeth naturally by stimulating gums and increasing saliva flow.
4. Use Fluoride Mouthwash
Fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel and protect against decay, making it an essential tool for seniors. If brushing alone isn’t providing enough protection, a fluoride mouthwash can help improve your senior parent’s oral health. A mouthwash can help make sure that your mom or dad’s mouth is clean if they have a hard time brushing.
5. Schedule Regular Dental Cleanings
Your mom or dad should be getting dental cleanings at least once a year. If your mom or dad has diabetes, they may need in-depth scaling and planing twice a year.
Dentists can catch early signs of gum disease, cavities, or other issues before they become more serious and harder to treat. That’s why even if your mom or dad doesn’t think they have any dental issues they still need regular cleanings and checkups.
If you or an aging loved one are considering 24-Hour Home Care Services in Fowler CA please get in touch with the caring staff at A-Plus In Home Care, Inc. today. Call (559) 224-9442.
A-Plus In Home Care, Inc. is a Trusted Home Care Agency serving Fresno, Clovis, Sunnyside, Fowler, Reedley, Selma, Sanger, Madera CA, and surrounding areas.
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