When it comes to taking care of oral health, a senior aging in place can face many challenges. It is not always easy to remember to take care of their mouths; they may forget without help from in-home care providers reminding them, they may need different tools because regular toothbrushes hurt to hold, or they may not be on a routine that allows them to focus on this aspect of personal hygiene.
Your loved one may need more help from in-home care services as they age in place, and as they focus more on oral health, they may see several benefits from taking more care of their mouths and teeth.
Here is why your senior loved one should be focused on oral health:
It Can Actually Reduce Pain
Dental problems and oral health can cause a massive amount of pain for a senior. The better they take care of their mouths the less likely they will have to deal with pain. They may be staying awake from tooth pain or avoiding eating because it hurts to do so; these two things can mean that a senior is going to have other health issues because of their teeth.
A senior should be going to the dentist every single year to ensure they don’t have gum disease or cavities that could cause pain. The more a senior brushes and flosses the less likely they will have cavities or other issues that could lead to pain.
A senior may need in-home care to remind them when to brush their teeth and why.
Oral Care Can Lower The Risk of Heart Disease
When your seniors have gum disease or other oral health problems, they may have a higher amount of inflammation in their bodies, which can lead to heart disease. When seniors are not focused on oral health, they may have more bacteria in their mouths that can make it to their bloodstream and impact their hearts, too. They should be maintaining their oral health at home every day but they also need to see their dentists regularly for cleanings and to inspect for gum disease.
If your senior needs help getting to and from the dentist, this is something that in-home care can help with.
It Counteracts Some Medications
Your loved one will likely be on multiple medications, and a few of them may have side effects. A lot of medications do have side effects that increase the risk of oral health issues. For example, some medications can lead to a senior having a very dry mouth, making them uncomfortable, but maintaining proper health can help them battle a dry mouth.
Keep in mind that when a senior goes to the dentist, they should tell the doctor all of the medications they are on because then the dentist knows what to look for and can help keep your loved one healthier.
Helps Them Smell Better and Indirectly Prevents Isolation
Bad breath can drive people away. This is sad but true. Your loved one is already at risk of being isolated but when they don’t know if they smell or not it can really damage their friendships. It is rude to say something but you also want to ensure they are taking care of themselves.
If you or an aging loved one are considering In-Home Care in Richardson, TX, contact the caring staff at HomeWell Care Services Plano TX today. Call (469) 596-6500
HomeWell Care Services Plano TX is a Trusted Home Care Agency serving Plano, Allen, McKinney, Frisco, Richardson, Garland, Little Elm, Prosper, and the surrounding areas.
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