Keeping a clean mouth and clean teeth is healthy and allows for easier eating. It can also increase confidence when smiling, laughing, and talking. Taking care of one's mouth is important at any age, but senior citizens should take special care as they are at especially high risk of experiencing complications with teeth and gums.
We discuss some common problems that senior citizens may have with mouth care. Senior citizens should be aware of these problems, so that they can actively prevent, identify, and treat them. Caregivers should encourage healthy behaviors and assist the senior if they need medical or dental attention.
Tooth Decay
Everyday when we eat food, bacteria builds up on the outer layer of our teeth, which is covered by a thin layer of enamel. If the teeth are not cleaned properly on a daily basis, the bacteria will cause holes to form in the enamel, leading to cavities that must be treated by a dentist. Using fluoride toothpaste or gel in addition to flossing and brushing can help prevent the formation of cavities. Years of untreated cavities may cause extreme damage to the teeth, as a result senior citizens with tooth decay may experience pain or difficulty eating. If this is the case, dentures may be an effective treatment option.
Gum Diseases
If teeth are not brushed and flossed regularly, plaque can build up under the gums at the base of the teeth and cause infection. This will lead to bleeding and irritable gums. Although gum disease can usually be reversed with hygienic practices, sometimes it requires medical attention. In order to prevent gun disease, it is helpful to:
- brush teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice a day
- floss once a day
- schedule regular dentist appointments
- eat a well-balanced diet
- do not smoke
When brushing teeth, it is important to get all sides with the brush while using small circular motions to clean all the teeth. Brushing along the gum line and brushing the tongue are also important to keep the mouth clean. Flossing is good for cleaning in between the teeth where the brush cannot reach.
Senior citizens with arthritis may find it hard to brush or floss because arthritis makes gripping a toothbrush difficult. If this is the case, it may help to slide a bicycle grip or foam tube over the brush handle, buy a larger toothbrush, or attach the toothbrush handle to your hand with an elastic band.
Dentures
Senior citizens with damaged teeth may find it interferes too much with eating, in such cases dentures are an option. Although dentures feel strange at first, a dentist will help the patient adjust by fine-tuning the dentures so that they fit well at all times. When people begin eating with dentures, it is often helpful to start with softer food and smaller pieces and then trying other foods as eating with dentures feels more comfortable.
Senior Citizens with dentures should be especially careful when eating since hot food and bones can not be as easily identified in the mouth. Caregivers preparing food, should take this into consideration and test food temperature before serving the food. Also, senior citizens and their caregivers must take good care of dentures, this includes proper cleaning technique and proper storage at night.
Dry Mouth
Senior citizens often experience dry mouth; this can lead to other problems with swallowing, eating, mouth hygiene, or infection. It is caused by the inability to produce enough saliva to keep the mouth wet. Things that seem to help with this can include drinking fluids throughout the day, staying way from caffeine, avoiding smoking and alcohol use, or sucking on sugarless hard candies.
Oral Cancer
Senior citizens are at an increased risk for oral cancer, but early diagnosis can lead to more effective treatment. To decrease the risk for oral cancer, it is advised that people:
- avoid use of tobacco products
- only drink alcohol in moderation
- use lip balm with sunscreen with sun exposure
The Caring Space
http://www.TheCaringSpace.com
http://www.TheCaringSpace.com
David Crumrine at the Caring Space
We are an organization that connects caregivers and care seekers, providing an easy and affordable resource for families seeking care for friends/loved ones and caregivers seeking employment.
We are an organization that connects caregivers and care seekers, providing an easy and affordable resource for families seeking care for friends/loved ones and caregivers seeking employment.
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