Navigating the Common Oral Health Challenges Faced by Seniors
Maintaining proper dental hygiene becomes more and more crucial as the years pass by, but it is also sometimes more difficult. Numerous problems, some of which have a major influence on general well-being and quality of life, can arise from poor dental health. The good news is that seniors who have home care assistance providers by their side can gain vital information about oral health challenges and how to help them remedy those issues.
Why Is Oral Health an Issue for Seniors?
A number of reasons may cause seniors to struggle with oral health problems. Tooth decay is one, as is dry mouth, which is a common side effect of many medications taken by seniors. Dry mouth is significant as less saliva equals less natural defense against dental cavities. Additionally, eating a diet high in sugary foods and beverages might exacerbate dental health challenges. In addition to pain and discomfort, eating difficulties and an elevated risk of infection are consequences of tooth decay.
Other issues are explored below:
Gum Disease: Gum disease, which can occasionally result from smoking, subpar dental care, or chronic conditions like diabetes, is another common problem among seniors. It may result in tooth loss, bad breath, and swollen, bleeding gums. Gum disease can be controlled and prevented with the help of proper brushing and flossing, routine dental cleanings, and giving up smoking. While some seniors might not think gum disease is a big issue, the truth is that chronic gum disease can cause changes in the anatomy of the face, difficulty speaking and eating, and low self-esteem.
Denture-Induced Stomatitis: Redness and swelling in the mouth can be a sign of denture-induced stomatitis, which can be uncomfortable and irritating. Fungal infections, improper cleaning methods, or ill-fitting dentures can all contribute to this condition. It can be avoided by making sure dentures fit properly, cleaning them frequently, and taking them out at night. Unfortunately, this condition might also result in a decreased appetite, trouble eating, and possible nutritional deficits. With home care assistance by their side, seniors can learn to use herbs and spices to improve food flavor as well as be encouraged to attend their dental visits.
How Does Oral Health Affect Health and Well-Being?
For seniors, maintaining dental health is essential since dental disease can negatively impact general health and quality of life. Seniors can have healthier, more comfortable lives by maintaining good oral hygiene habits, scheduling routine dental exams, and taking quick care of any oral health concerns that arise. As mentioned, seniors with home care assistance have built-in support to help them improve their dental health and provide gentle reminders to make the right choices.
With these common issues in mind, and to ensure the best possible dental health, seniors need to make dental health a priority and an essential component of their daily routine. They can do this by attending regular dental appointments, using fluoride toothpaste, maintaining hydration, and chewing sugar-free gum to increase saliva production. Additionally, having support from loved ones and home care assistance providers can make a difference.
Sources: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8395714/
https://www.ada.org/en/resources/ada-library/oral-health-topics/aging-and-dental-health
https://beachdentalcare.com/blog/aging-gracefully-navigating-elderly-oral-health-with-common-issues-and-care-for-seniors/
https://www.healthinaging.org/blog/oral-health-for-older-adults/
If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care Assistance Services in the Shawnee KS area, please contact the caring staff at Elder Care of Kansas City, today.
Proudly serving Jackson, Clay, Platte, and Cass Counties in Missouri as well as Johnson and Wyandotte Counties in Kansas for over 30 years. Call us at 816-333-3322.
Prior to purchasing Elder Care, Kevin spent over 20 years in the health insurance industry.In his most recent position, he was in a financial operations role with Humana where he worked with doctors, nurses and other health professionals developing programs to keep Humana members healthy.Their focus on primary care and medication adherence improved the lives of thousands of seniors in Kansas City and the surrounding area.
Kevin and his wife, Lori, have three children.Kevin has Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of Missouri.
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