3 Things You Can Do As An Adult Caregiver To Ensure Family's Best Oral Health
Posted on 2/7/2022 by Evan
Caregivers provide care for adults who cannot care for themselves. An important part of the care is ensuring good health, including the teeth and gums of the adults. Often, the task of a caregiver is considered a labor of love. However, it can be highly demanding. When it comes to oral health, it is easy to miss some signs that would indicate a problem within the mouth. This can easily impact the quality of life of the adult. Using these guidelines can help a caregiver to ensure the teeth and gums of the adults are healthy and strong.
Make oral Hygiene Easier
Brushing and flossing are key to the prevention of dental disease. Nonetheless, an adult needing care may have challenges performing these tasks. Maybe, they lack the physical dexterity or cognitive ability required to ensure proper oral hygiene. You, as the caregiver, need to get the seniors a larger handled-toothbrush, water flosser, or floss threader to help provide the maneuverability required. In the event of cognitive decline, you may have to assist the adults personally.
Watch Out for Dry Mouth
Chronic dry mouth arises from a lack of sufficient saliva that washes away disease-causing bacteria and neutralizes acid in the mouth. Bacteria and acid can take their toll on the teeth and gums of seniors. Since seniors are more susceptible to chronic dry mouth, you may want to talk to their doctor about it. Encourage the senior to drink more water and consume products that promote the production of saliva.
Monitor any Existing Dental Work
The senior may have a partial or full denture or other dental work such as bridges and crowns. You need to ensure these restorations are in good shape and function properly. Consider scheduling dental visits with our team to have the restorations checked and allow the seniors to receive cleanings and get the mouth examined for any dental issues like bad breath, gum disease, or even decay. Talk to us about the dental health of a senior you are caring for.
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