Dental care for elderly in nursing homes in So-Cal is essential because oral health affects your life in different ways. If you think about how bothersome it is to do your favorite activities when you have a terrible toothache, you will understand why oral health is very important.
It can be harder to keep up with your dental hygiene routine at an old age. For example, access to care and other health issues can interfere with the dental health of the elderly. That is why dental care for the elderly is very important. Here are some tips to help you help your parent or a senior citizen you are taking care of.
The benefits of oral care for the elderly
Oral care is essential for everyone. The health of your mouth affects the health of the rest of your body. There have been links between poor dental health with illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. Seniors are more likely to have other chronic illnesses and that is why dental care is even more important for them. When the elderly do not get the right dental care, they could experience discomfort and pain.
Oral hygiene tips for seniors
Mouth care is essential for good dental health. Plaque can build up when oral care is neglected and this can lead to gum disease and tooth decay. The basic recommendations for oral care for the elderly is to brush at least two times per day, rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash twice a day, floss at least once per day, and visit a mobile dental clinic every six months for oral exam and cleaning.
Getting regular oral exams allows your hygienist or dentist to diagnose oral cancer or dental diseases early when they are easier to control and treat. If your loved one experiences sudden changes in smell or taste, you should schedule an appointment with a dentist.
Dental care tips for the elderly with cognitive issues
The elderly with cognitive conditions may have trouble communicating with their dentists during dental appointments or with their caregivers during daily care. If you want to make dental care easier for the elderly with cognitive issues, you should reduce the number of distractions and noise, have a caregiver attend to dental appointments or even provide oral care, and approach your loved one from the front and use positive nonverbal communication. You should also keep instructions simple and clear. Keep the oral care routine consistent and use an electric-powered toothbrush.
Tips for seniors with hearing loss
When providing dental services to someone with hearing loss, there are some useful tips to help you provide services efficiently. You should get the attention of your loved one with a signal or light touch. Speak slowly and loudly. If your loved one can read your lips, speak at eye level and make sure your mouth is visible.
Tips for seniors with vision loss
If you are providing dental care for elderly in nursing homes SO-CAL to people with vision loss, use good lighting in the bathroom, large print labels on the toiletries and keep the toiletries in the same place at all times.