Improving Your Oral Health

It’s easy to overlook oral health, but neglecting teeth and gums can contribute to a poorer quality of life. Thankfully, it’s never too late to take control of your oral hygiene. And by improving your oral health, you’re contributing to a happier and healthier overall life. 

Oral Health Concerns For Seniors

Understanding potential signs of common oral health conditions can help you better identify if something is wrong. Many oral health concerns can affect people of all ages, but older adults may be more susceptible because of age-related changes to the teeth and gums. A few conditions to stay vigilant about are cavities, tooth loss, and oral cancer. 

Cavities

Cavities are the start of the tooth decay process. They occur when acids from the foods and beverages you consume tear down the tooth’s enamel, causing tooth sensitivity. You can prevent cavities by using fluoride, a mineral that prevents tooth decay. 

If you develop a cavity, it’s best to get it checked out as soon as possible to stop it from continuing to decay the tooth. Your dentist can repair the damage with a filling if you have a cavity. 

Tooth Loss

If cavities are left untreated, they can lead to tooth loss. Tooth loss can also develop because of gum disease or smoking. Research also suggests that people with chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease are at a higher risk for tooth loss. 

Tooth loss is more than just losing a tooth. It’s a physically and mentally challenging situation that can lead to low self-esteem, challenges with talking, and a lower quality of life. 

Gum Disease

Gum disease is an infection of the gums. It typically results from plaque buildup caused by insufficient brushing or flossing. If you have gum disease, you may notice swollen gums that bleed when you brush or floss. In more severe cases of gum disease, you may also experience pain, especially when chewing. Dentists can treat gum disease with antibiotics to treat the infections, but it’s essential to seek dental care early so the disease doesn’t spread to the jaw. 

Oral Cancer 

Oral cancer is a broad category for any cancer affecting the mouth or back of the throat. Poor oral hygiene doesn’t necessarily cause oral cancer, but knowing the signs and symptoms is important so you don’t mistake them for a different condition. Oral cancer can cause sores, irritation, white or red patches in the mouth, mouth bleeding, tongue numbness, or ear pain. It can also make it difficult to chew, swallow, or speak.

Special Oral Health Considerations For Seniors

Many people do not consciously decide to stop caring for their oral hygiene as they age. Instead, aging comes with many complications and changes, some of which can make oral health care more difficult as you get older. 

• Agility and mobility can change with age, making brushing and flossing difficult.
• Transportation limitations can make it hard to get to the dentist.
• Changes in insurance or financial status can make paying for oral health expenses challenging.
• Mental health and cognitive decline can affect memory and the ability to care for oral health.

Tips To Improve Your Oral Health 

Improving your oral health means making oral hygiene a daily priority. Follow these tips to help keep your mouth healthy. 

• Brush your teeth twice a day. Brushing your teeth helps remove plaque that could lead to cavities. 
• Floss daily. Flossing also helps remove plaque and other buildup between the teeth that could lead to more serious oral health concerns. 
• Clean your dentures and mouthguards. Bacteria can build up on dentures and mouthguards. You should clean them before every use to prevent germs and bacteria from transferring to your gums.
• Visit your dentist. No one enjoys going to the dentist, but getting professional cleanings every six months is important to keep your gums and teeth healthy.
• Don’t smoke. Smoking can increase your risk for gum disease. 

Oral Health With Visiting Angels 

Taking care of your oral health can become challenging with age. If you need assistance with oral health care, the team at Visiting Angels is happy to provide it through our personal care services. Our caregivers can help with brushing teeth, flossing, cleaning dentures, and transporting to dentist appointments. Caregivers can also assist with other household tasks like cooking, cleaning, laundry, and more. 

Learn more about at-home care with Visiting Angels by contacting us to schedule your complimentary consultation.