You may think that if your breath doesn’t smell, there is no need to brush. But that isn’t true! And oral health is a lot more than brushing your teeth. Oral care is caring for the mouth, teeth, and gums to prevent and treat dental and oral diseases and disorders. This includes brushing and flossing teeth, regular dental check-ups, and avoiding tobacco and excessive sugar. This can seem like a lot, and not all seniors may be able to brush their teeth; if they need help with any part of this, it’s something that personal care at-home providers can help your loved one with.
Here are all of the reasons why your loved one should be focusing on oral care.
It Prevents Gum Disease
Brushing and flossing removes plaque and food debris from your teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria and food debris that can cause inflammation and infection of a senior’s gums. Many people can have gum disease without knowing; it’s only when the disease gets bad that people go to the dentist. By keeping on a routine and getting the right help from personal care at home, many seniors can avoid gum disease altogether, but it takes the right amount of dedication.
Oral Care Prevents Tooth Decay
When a senior doesn’t brush their teeth, it can cause a buildup of plaque which can cause tooth decay. This may also lead to bad breath, which can make your senior feel self-conscious about being around others. If your loved one needs help brushing the very back teeth, this is something that professional personal care at home specialists can help with. Keep in mind that even if a senior brushes their teeth, if they experience dry mouth as a side effect of medications, they may also develop cavities. Saliva helps protect a senior’s teeth!
You Can Avoid Tooth Loss
Many seniors want to avoid tooth loss if they can, and the best way to do this is by daily brushing and flossing. If a senior needs more teeth, they won’t be able to enjoy foods they love, like fruit, veggies, or tougher meats. Having teeth is crucial to eating healthy meals. Remember that a senior should go to regular appointments with the dentist to ensure their teeth are healthy. A dentist will also help a senior who is already missing teeth.
Oral Care Helps Heart Health
Poor oral hygiene can lead to gum disease, which increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. Brushing and flossing help to remove bacteria, plaque, and food particles from the mouth, preventing the buildup of bacteria which can lead to gum disease. The inflammation from gum disease can cause heart problems.
It May Prevent Oral Cancer
If your loved one chews tobacco, they might be at severe risk for oral cancer even if they brush their teeth regularly. If a senior goes to see their dentist regularly, the doctor will help identify if a senior may or may not have any type of cancer and what they can keep doing to prevent it from happening.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring Personal Care at Home Services in Elizabeth NJ, call the caring staff at Helping Hands Home Care today at 908-418-4299.
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