As adults get older, some things tend to naturally fall by the wayside. For some seniors, this means overlooking oral health, which involves more than just regular brushing. In fact, dental health is linked to overall health in ways that aren’t always obvious, which is why it’s just as important as the other types of care you typically provide for a senior loved one. Here are some of the top reasons oral health is crucial for seniors.
Gum Disease Is Associated with Heart Disease
Heart disease is one of the most common chronic health issues for older adults. Good oral hygiene can play a role in reducing this risk.
Seniors often need help with a variety of personal hygiene tasks, including those required for good oral health. Home care providers can benefit aging adults in a variety of ways. From cooking nutritious meals to offering timely medication reminders, the dedicated caregivers at Assisting Hands Home Care are available to help your elderly loved one 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Poor Oral Health Can Contribute to Pneumonia
Pneumonia is the leading cause of hospitalizations for seniors. It’s also a serious type of respiratory infection associated with poor oral health. Bacteria that accumulates naturally in the mouth can make its way to the lungs and increase the risk of developing pneumonia. Good oral hygiene can control bacteria levels and lower this risk for seniors.
Poor dental health can increase the risk of a variety of health issues in aging adults. If you’re the primary caregiver for a senior family member and you need respite care, Potomac, MD, Assisting Hands Home Care is here to help. Our home caregivers are trained to assist older adults with a wide variety of everyday tasks, including meal prep, physical activity, and personal hygiene. We also provide 24-hour care and specialized care for seniors with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s.
Good Oral Health Helps with Diabetes Management
If your loved one has diabetes, good oral health can help with blood sugar control. Severe gum disease (periodontitis), which could develop from a lack of sufficient oral care, affects the body’s ability to use insulin. Also, high blood sugar related to diabetes increases the risk of developing gum disease or gum infections. For this reason, seniors with diabetes are advised to have regular dental checkups.
Regular Dental Care Can Address Issues with Dry Mouth
Seniors sometimes develop dry mouth because of side effects associated with medication. Some cancer treatments can also affect saliva production, as can underlying health issues such as diabetes. Regular dental checkups can identify and address possible issues with a chronically dry mouth. This is important because a lack of sufficient saliva increases the risk of gum problems and tooth decay.
Poor-Fitting Dentures Can Be Equally Problematic
Even if your loved one wears dentures, it’s still important to be diligent about oral health. Ill-fitting dentures can contribute to gum inflammation or a denture-related condition called stomatitis, which can lead to painful mouth ulcers, or canker sores. Dentures that no longer fit well may also cause issues with eating and prevent seniors from getting sufficient nutrients. Signs of poor-fitting dentures to look out for include:
- Difficulty speaking
- A change in eating habits or food preferences
- Bad breath
- Recurring mouth pain or discomfort
The Jawbone Can Become Uneven Over Time
If teeth are lost over time and not replaced with implants or addressed with another appropriate solution, seniors can have dental issues due to an uneven bite. This can also make it difficult to properly chew and digest food.
If your loved one needs help managing oral hygiene tasks or other activities of daily living, consider hiring a professional caregiver. The type of home care service Potomac seniors need can vary. Some need assistance a few hours a day, while others require more extensive around-the-clock assistance. At Assisting Hands Home Care, we tailor our care plans based on each senior’s individual care needs, and the plans can be adjusted at any time. We are a trusted provider of respite and 24-hour care, and we also offer specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s, and stroke care for seniors. To hire a dedicated caregiver, call Assisting Hands Home Care today.
