Even if seniors don’t have teeth anymore, they still need to pay attention to oral health. That can be difficult for them to manage, especially if they’re facing cognitive and other changes. Personal care at home makes it easier for seniors to manage their dental hygiene, whether they still have all of their teeth or none of them.
Oral Care without Teeth
Lots of seniors believe that if they don’t have teeth anymore, they don’t have to do anything with their mouths. These are things that can’t be ignored, however. Good oral hygiene helps to prevent other problems like gum disease, oral infections, and even pain and discomfort. Keeping their mouths healthy and clean helps to promote overall good health.
Cleaning Gums
Seniors without teeth don’t have to brush their teeth, but they do need to clean their gums. Plaque can still build up, leading to infections. Using a soft, damp cloth or soft gum massager helps to clean the gums and the inside of the mouth. This helps remove food particles and bacteria while cutting down on plaque buildup.
Rinsing and Hydration
Staying properly hydrated helps seniors avoid dry mouth and home care providers can help with hydration. But something else to consider is rinsing the mouth often with a mouthwash or even warm, salty water. This helps to reduce bacteria and helps to keep the mouth clean and fresh.
Caring for Dentures and Oral Appliances
If seniors have dentures or other oral appliances, it’s vital to keep them clean and in good condition. First, that helps to increase the longevity of the dental device, but it also helps to keep them clean and avoids bacteria buildup. Cleaning dentures with a soft denture brush and soaking them in denture cleaner helps a lot.
Regular Dental Check-ups
Even without teeth, seniors need regular dental checkups. Dentists can watch for signs of infections or other problems in the mouth and gums. Regular visits ensure that dentists can spot small changes earlier, leading to earlier treatment for possible problems.
Nutrition and Oral Health
Eating a balanced diet may feel trickier for seniors without teeth, and personal care at home can help with these challenges. They can make sure that seniors are eating healthy foods that are nutrient-dense, keeping their mouths and bodies as healthy as possible. For seniors without dentures, a liquid or soft diet may be helpful. Doctors can help seniors and family caregivers determine what foods will work best for their needs.
Address Oral Health Challenges Right Away
Dental and oral health issues really shouldn’t be ignored. Paying attention to oral health care ensures that issues get spotted quickly and are therefore treated sooner. Waiting can lead to infections and pain that seniors can avoid.
Even though seniors may not have teeth anymore, that doesn’t mean that they should just ignore dental care. Personal care at home can help them to easily and regularly care for their mouths and remaining teeth. Sticking with these habits can lead to excellent future health for seniors, which is something everyone wants them to experience.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Personal Care Services in Great Neck NY, please get in touch with the caring staff at Star Multi Care today. Call (631) 424-7827
Star Multi Care is a Trusted Home Care Agency serving Long Island and in NYC including Dix Hills, Floral Park, Great Neck, Huntington, Manhasset, Massapequa, Northport, Plainview, Rockville Center, Stonybrook, Suffolk County, Nassau County, and Queens County.
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