Caregiver in Davis CA
October is National Dental Hygiene Month. Although everyone has heard about the importance of taking care of teeth and gums and maintaining frequent trips to their dentist, the elderly have additional aspects to consider.
Darkened Teeth
As we age our enamel, as well as the dentin layer beneath, thin. This can leave teeth with an increasing yellow to brown discoloration. While not a health concern, it is important that your parent maintain good self-esteem as the challenges of aging begin to occur.
Dry Mouth
This common symptom can be due to many factors including medications and various diseases.
Gum Disease
As you parent ages, some experience a sense of apathy when caring for their bodies that are now showing signs of wear and tear. Brushing and flossing teeth may be taking a backseat to Judge Judy. If you are acting as their primary family caregiver, it’s important to make sure this trend reverses. As plaque builds up, gums recede, making your parent susceptible to gum disease and, ultimately, loss of teeth. Poor fitting bridges and dentures can also have an impact on their gum health. Certain diseases such as diabetes, are also associated with gum disease.
Uneven Jawbone
If your parent has had a tooth pulled without replacing it with an implant, teeth can drift into the open space, causing an uneven jawbone. This leads to uneven wear and tear. Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ) can ultimately result. Symptoms of TMJ include pain in the front of the ear where the upper and lower jaw meet, difficulty chewing, and clicking in the joint.
Tooth Decay
Of course, tooth decay is a possibility if the wrong foods are consumed or dental hygiene is not a part of their everyday routine. Tooth decay can ultimately lead to root decay. If you are the primary family caregiver, in addition to making sure your elderly parent is brushing as least twice a day and flossing once, it is also a good idea to have them gargle with an antibacterial mouthwash.
Home Care Providers
Home care providers can be your eyes and ears for you when you are not available to be a family caregiver for your aging parent. They can ensure your parent is brushing, flossing and rinsing as required. They can also provide meals that are high in calcium, an important mineral for teeth, as well as other important nutrients. The good news: more elderly people are keeping their natural teeth than ever before—another good reason to remember the importance of dental hygiene.
If you or an aging loved one needs caregiver services in Davis, CA, remember Senior Home Care Services. Call us at (916) 514-7006 for more information.
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