For some, it's to provide extensive on-going care for an aging senior.Elder Care Hazleton PA: Take Care of Your Teeth for Overall Health
Much has been learned in dental practices and hygiene over the years. The good news is that seniors are more likely to keep their teeth for a lifetime than they were a decade ago. However, the bad news is that studies show seniors have the highest rates of periodontal disease and need to do more to maintain good oral health.
Senior Living is written by Dr. Arlen Burger, Mary Burger and Dave Besana, management team of A Brand New Day Assisted Living.
Oral hygiene is not just about a nice smile or avoiding bad breath.
Much has been learned in dental practices and hygiene over the years. The good news is that seniors are more likely to keep their teeth for a lifetime than they were a decade ago. However, the bad news is that studies show seniors have the highest rates of periodontal disease and need to do more to maintain good oral health. Risk factors that may make seniors more susceptible to periodontal disease include receding gum tissue, weakened immune system, medication side effects and diminished salivary flow.
We’ve heard from some of our residents at A Brand New Day, “Why spend all that effort to maintain my teeth when I’m so old?” The answer is clear: Good oral health is essential to quality of life. Your teeth play an important role in speaking and chewing. Eating fresh fruit and vegetables can be painful with sore or missing teeth. Not only do you miss out on the pleasure of biting into an apple, you miss out on proper nutrition.
Poor oral hygiene often results in chronic inflammation of gums and mouth tissue. Did you know that a major cause of failure in joint replacements is infection? Infection from periodontal disease can travel from the mouth to the site of the joint replacement. Research has found that periodontal disease is linked to a number of major health concerns such as heart disease, stroke, respiratory disease, bacterial pneumonia, osteoporosis and diabetes.
In addition to feeling good, it is natural for people at any age to want to look good. A study by the American Dental Association and Oral-B found that nearly half of survey respondents age 65 and older selected a smile as the first thing they notice about people. Almost 80 percent in this age group also reported that a smile is very important to a person’s appearance.
Brushing is a critical component of oral hygiene, yet may become more difficult as we grow older. Those suffering from arthritis or other medical conditions may have difficulty in gripping a toothbrush. Here is a tip: Insert the end of a toothbrush into a small rubber ball such as a racquetball or even a tennis ball to help grab and maneuver while brushing.
Flossing and using mouthwash can also help kill germs but keep in mind that mouthwash alone is not good enough. It’s best to brush at least twice daily and floss to help prevent gum disease and keep your teeth. Have you ever heard of the saying, “You only need to floss the teeth you want to keep”?
Know the warning signs that may put your mouth, teeth and gums at risk. Your gums should be pink, not red, and they should not bleed during brushing and flossing. Tooth sensitivity and pain, bumps or mouth sores and swelling or loose teeth are warning signs you need to see a dentist.
Does your jaw pop or click or do you have difficulty quenching your thirst, swallowing or chewing? These are additional signs that you need a dentist’s attention.
Dry mouth is a warning sign that something is wrong. This condition can be caused by reduced saliva flow resulting from certain diseases and medication side effects. Antihistamines, diuretics, painkillers, high blood pressure medications and antidepressants have been shown to cause dry mouth. Aside from producing an uncomfortable sensation, dry mouth leaves the mouth without enough saliva to wash away food and neutralize plaque. This makes you more susceptible to tooth decay and periodontal disease. In addition, dry mouth can cause sore throat, problems with speaking, difficulty swallowing and hoarseness. Your dentist or periodontist can recommend various methods to restore moisture, including sugarless gum, oral rinses or artificial saliva products.
Don’t wait until you experience the warning signs to see a dentist. Regular dental exams and professional cleaning at least twice a year are necessary to maintain oral health.
For information about Comfort Keepers and how we can help provide your loved one with affordable and quality elder care in Hazleton PA and the surrounding area, call our caregivers at 570-450-0890. We help families with everything from full time Alzheimers Care to respite care for primary caregivers.