Caring for Ageing Teeth: Oral Health Tips for Those Receiving Live In Care

What is Oral Care?

Oral care refers to keeping the mouth, teeth, and gums clean and healthy. This involves daily brushing, flossing, regular dental checkups and cleanings, and watching for signs of oral health problems.

Good oral care is especially important for older adults, as our teeth and gums become more susceptible to disease and infection as we age. Maintaining good oral hygiene can prevent painful dental problems, improve nutrition, and support overall health and well-being.

Why Oral Health Matters

Good oral care and hygiene is important throughout our lives, but even more so as we age. Oral health can affect overall health in several ways. Poor oral health is linked to conditions like pneumonia, heart disease, and diabetes. Bacteria from gum disease can enter the bloodstream and travel to major organs.

For older adults, good oral care can improve nutrition by making eating easier. Healthy teeth and pain-free gums ensure proper chewing and allow a diverse, nutrient-rich diet. With age, medications cause dry mouth, which increases cavities. Saliva also declines, reducing the mouth’s natural defences. Keeping the mouth clean is vital for vulnerable elderly individuals.

Brushing and Flossing Tips

Brushing teeth twice daily and flossing once daily are essential oral hygiene habits. Use a soft or extra-soft bristled toothbrush and replace it every 3-4 months once the bristles become frayed. Brush all surfaces of the teeth in a gentle circular motion. Take care also to brush the gums, as gum disease is common in older adults. Floss gently between teeth daily to remove plaque that brushing misses. For those receiving live-in care, caregivers can assist with daily brushing and flossing if dexterity challenges prevent independence with teeth brushing.

Watching for Oral Health Problems

Several common oral health issues disproportionately affect older people. These include dry mouth, cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer. Caregivers should monitor elderly individuals for symptoms like persistent bad breath, loose or shifting teeth, mouth pain or sores that won’t heal, red or swollen gums, difficulty eating due to dental problems, and denture issues.

Notify a dentist promptly if any of these problems are noticed so they can be addressed quickly before worsening.

Importance of Regular Dental Visits

It is recommended that elderly individuals see a dentist every six months for a checkup and professional cleaning. Regular cleanings are vital for removing harmful plaque buildup that brushing and flossing at home cannot entirely remove. The dentist will also check thoroughly for early signs of decay, infection, and cancer.

Addressing minor teeth issues promptly vastly improves outcomes in older adults. Putting off dental work for too long can turn a small problem into a major ordeal. For example, a small cavity quickly worsens, potentially requiring a root canal or tooth extraction. Preventive care and early intervention are crucial.

In summary, while our oral health needs continue as we age, so does the necessity for diligent hygiene and professional dental care. For older adults, enlisting the help of caregivers ensures teeth are properly cleaned every day. Monitoring for oral health problems and scheduling regular dentist visits allows early treatment before major issues develop. 

With extra attention and care, people can keep their teeth healthy and smile bright well into their golden years.

Caring and Personalised Assistance From The Live In Care Company

End-of-life care presents an array of emotional and physical challenges, including oral care.  However, these issues can be managed effectively with the right support system. Live-in care offers a solution that addresses medical needs and emphasises the importance of mental and emotional well-being.

If you or your loved ones need comprehensive, personalised support, The Live In Care Company stands ready to help. Reach out to us and discover how we can make a difference in your care journey.