6 Basic Oral Hygiene Tips for Aging Adults

Oral health impacts quality of life and overall health, which is why family caregivers need to focus on smart dental strategies for their senior loved ones. These tips can protect a senior’s teeth and lower the risk of some severe conditions. Below are essential oral hygiene tips to follow in the golden years.

1. Brush Teeth Twice Daily

Removing bacteria can prevent seniors from losing teeth at a fast pace. Therefore, your parent should brush his or her teeth once in the morning and again at night. Brushing twice per day can lower the risk of plaque buildup and periodontal disease, one of the top causes of gum recession in aging adults. Periodontal disease can cause chewing problems and bad eating habits, but brushing away the bacteria can help. A professional caregiver can help your loved one adopt good dental practices. Seniors can face a variety of challenges as they age, many of which can be mitigated with the help of professional in-home caregivers who provide high-quality senior home care. Trust Home Care Assistance to help your elderly loved one age in place safely and comfortably.

2. Floss Regularly

Many adults develop gum disease after age 65. However, most don’t know they have the disease because the symptoms don’t occur until the condition has advanced. An effective way to prevent gum disease is to floss regularly, especially between meals. Flossing helps seniors remove food and potentially dangerous bacteria from areas toothbrushes cannot reach.

3. Don’t Smoke

The substances in cigarettes and other tobacco products could cause oral cancer, which is why seniors need to stop smoking. Smoking can also increase the odds of receding gums. Not smoking could preserve your loved one’s oral health and stave off other types of conditions, such as lung or kidney cancer.

4. Eat Sugarless Foods

As adults age, they’re more likely to take medications that impact their saliva output and increase the risk of dry mouth, which could lead to malnutrition. One of the best ways for your loved one to prevent dry mouth is to avoid sugary foods, particularly gum and candy.  If you’re not always available to help your loved one maintain his or her dental hygiene and general health, consider hiring a professional caregiver. Aging in place can present a few unique challenges for older adults. Some only require part-time assistance with exercise or meal preparation, while others are living with serious illnesses and benefit more significantly from receiving live-in care. Winnipeg, MB, Home Care Assistance are leaders in the elderly in-home care industry for good reason. We tailor our care plans based on each senior’s individual needs, our caregivers continue to receive updated training in senior care as new developments arise, and we also offer comprehensive care for seniors with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s.

5. Attend Regular Dental Visits

Your loved one should visit the dentist at least twice per year. During the visits, the dentist will determine if your parent has serious issues such as gum disease or tooth decay. The dentist can also clean your loved one’s teeth to prevent oral damage. If your loved one has implants or dentures, the dentist can check them to ensure they don’t need replacement or additional work.

6. Monitor the Teeth & Mouth

An important tip that could reduce the risk of problems like oral cancer is to monitor your loved one’s mouth. You can do this by checking for sores, swelling, and bleeding in the mouth. Another excellent tip is to monitor your loved one’s teeth and gums after outdoor outings during the warmer months. If you notice any adverse reactions to sun exposure, you should contact the dentist immediately. Your parent should also wear lip balm with sunscreen to prevent lip cancer. Family caregivers should be especially vigilant about dental health issues if their loved ones have serious medical conditions. If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of homecare Winnipeg, MB, families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s. To learn about our revolutionary in-home care plans, call us at (204) 489-6000 today.