Changes in oral health can make a big difference in how comfortable seniors are, whether they’re able to get the nutrition they need, and so much more. Taking excellent care of teeth and gums is not necessarily as easy as it used to be, however. Personal care at home can make oral hygiene easier and safer for seniors to handle as they age in place.

Get to Know the Oral Health Issues Seniors Face

Seniors face a variety of different oral health issues, ranging from the typical concerns, like tooth decay, to dry mouth, diminished taste, gum disease, and tooth loss. There are other issues, too, like stained or darkened teeth due to age or medication side effects and inflammation from dentures or other dental appliances. Left unchecked, these issues can make it difficult or impossible for seniors to eat healthy meals regularly.

Brushing and Flossing Are Still Important

Brushing and even flossing are still important for seniors to do, even if they’ve experienced tooth loss. Using a soft toothbrush and toothpaste, seniors can get clean teeth without worrying about damaging sensitive gums. Home care providers can help seniors to brush their teeth if they have trouble doing so on their own. They can also help with flossing and using mouthwash.

Dentist Appointments Are, Too

Sometimes seniors feel as if dentist appointments aren’t necessary any longer, especially if they wear dentures or have lost most of their teeth. But going to the dentist ensures that oral health issues are caught early and that seniors get the right treatments to keep their mouths as healthy as possible. It’s understandable to be nervous about going to the dentist, but it’s still an essential healthcare appointment.

Replace Toothbrushes Every Few Months

Toothbrushes collect a lot of germs and break down a lot easier than most people realize. Frayed bristles can cause pain and hold onto germs even more easily. The easiest way around all of this is to replace toothbrushes regularly, every three or four months or so. Keeping a toothbrush cover over the toothbrush or keeping it in the medicine cabinet can also help to reduce the amount of germs that collect when the toothbrush isn’t in use.

Clean Dentures Daily

Dentures function like teeth, and also like teeth, they require daily cleaning. Dentures also need to be soaked in water when they’re not in place, because they dry out easily and become brittle. Denture toothbrushes are softer than traditional toothbrushes so that they don’t scratch the surface. Keeping dentures clean and in good condition ensures that they’ll be more comfortable to wear and that they won’t hurt seniors’ mouths and gums when they wear them.

Proper attention to oral hygiene affects so many areas of life for seniors. When it’s difficult to handle those tasks alone, personal care at home can be there to offer seniors the support they need. Professional caregivers can help out with other tasks, too, like preparing healthy meals every day and keeping the rest of the house tidy and free of clutter.

If you or an aging loved one are considering personal care at home in Seabrook, NH, please contact the caring staff at Assisting Hands Home Care – Seacoast NH today! 603-824-8200

Assisting Hands Home Care – Seacoast NH provides exceptional home care in Portsmouth, Rye, New Castle, North Hampton, Hampton, Stratham, Exeter, Durham, Dover, Seabrook, Greenland, Rochester, Hampton Falls and surrounding areas.