Oral hygiene is a crucial part of overall health, even when seniors don’t have any teeth any longer. The absence of teeth doesn’t mean that oral hygiene is less important at all. There are still plenty of things that seniors need to do in order to protect their oral health. Personal care at home can help seniors who are trying to keep their mouths healthy, no matter how many teeth they have.
Preventing Infections
Bacteria can still cause problems for seniors who don’t have teeth. Those bacteria can cause infections, abscesses, and other problems. Proper oral hygiene helps to remove bacteria, reducing the risk of infections developing. Seniors who are prone to oral infections may need to talk with their doctors or their dentists about ways to manage the underlying cause.
Protecting Gum Health
The gums have a lot of work to do, even when seniors have lost their natural teeth. If they have dentures, for instance, the gums support dentures and other dental prosthetics. Cleaning the gums and ensuring they’re in good condition makes it easier to wear dentures without pain. Senior care providers can help seniors to keep their gums in good condition on a daily basis.
Maintaining Dentures
Dentures require specific care in order to remain in good condition. Storing them properly is equally important because dentures need to stay in a moist environment so they don’t dry out and crack. Cleaning dentures correctly is important so that they don’t introduce bacteria into the mouth and they’re ready to help seniors eat their food. Using gentle brushes along with denture cleaning tablets help to keep dentures clean and fresh.
Hydration and Dry Mouth
Staying properly hydrated helps seniors avoid all sorts of health issues, but it’s also vital for oral health. Many seniors experience dry mouth, either because of medication side effects or due to other causes. Hard candies, plenty of water, and good oral hygiene can all help with issues around dry mouth.
Consistent Oral Hygiene Routines
Just like any other routine, oral hygiene routines are best when they’re consistent. Consistency with oral hygiene helps to reduce bad breath, dry mouth, irritation, and infections. Personal care at home helps seniors to establish routines and stick with them.
Regular Checkups
Lots of seniors without teeth think that they don’t have to go to the dentist anymore. That’s a huge misconception because oral health has to do with way more than just teeth. Seniors still need to go to the dentist for regular checkups because that makes sure that they aren’t experiencing any other issues related to oral health. Home care providers can help with transportation to dental appointments so that seniors aren’t skipping these vital visits.
Maintaining good oral health for seniors without teeth is a vital part of overall well-being. Personal care at home helps seniors to have the help they need to keep their gums healthy, avoid infections, and reduce other complications that might occur. Solid routines in all areas of personal care help seniors to remain independent and healthy, which benefits them all the way around.
If you or an aging loved one is considering personal care at home in Burnsville, MN, and the surrounding areas, please contact the friendly staff at CareBuilders at Home Minnesota. Call today 612-260-2273.
