Good oral hygiene is a lifelong commitment. That's because an individual's oral health can play a big role in their overall health. If you have a senior loved one who needs some help improving their oral health, there are a few tips you can use to help them reach their oral care goals. Here are a few good oral care tips by Edmonton Respite Care that apply specifically to seniors.
Keep Bones Strong
As people age, they tend to lose bone density. This means that your senior loved one may develop weak teeth due to a lack of calcium in their body. To help with this problem, a calcium supplement may make sense. It's important, though, that our loved one also takes a vitamin D supplement to ensure their body can properly absorb the increased levels of calcium. Together, these supplements will help to keep your loved one's teeth and bones strong and healthy.
Take Care of Dental Devices
Many seniors utilize various dental devices or accessories to help maintain their oral health. For example, a night guard can help stop teeth grinding, a condition that can lead to broken teeth. Another common dental device that seniors use is dentures. Dentures, nightguards, and other types of dental appliances need to be kept clean to prevent them from changing shape or breaking. Plus, the more you take care of dental devices, the less odor they will have, leading to a more enjoyable experience with these devices.
Be Gentle
Every individual, regardless of age, needs to be careful not to use too much pressure when brushing their teeth. For seniors with teeth and gums that are more sensitive, this is especially important. Encourage your loved one to let the brush do the work for them instead of applying extra pressure that can wear away enamel and damage gums. You can also opt for an electronic toothbrush that warns the user when they are applying too much pressure.
Watch for Changes
In the normal routine of daily brushing, it can be easy to take your oral health for granted. Every so often, though, it's important for your loved one to perform a close examination of their mouth so that they can spot any abnormalities that may need to be inspected further. Unusual spots, sores, cuts that won't heal, or unusual coloring in the mouth can be signs of medical conditions requiring care. Since certain oral diseases can cause major problems in the rest of the body, it's important to perform this self-examination more often than the standard cleanings that happen every six months.
Involve a Dentist
Respite Care Edmonton, AB, want family caregivers to understand that a dentist is the best person to help your senior loved one take good care of their teeth. That's why regular cleanings every six months are just as important for a senior as they are for someone who is quite young. A dentist is a crucial part of your loved one's medical care team that can help your loved one live a long and enjoyable life .
