Dental hygiene is very important for seniors. If seniors neglect their dental hygiene, they can raise their risk of developing oral infections, gum disease, or losing natural teeth that they have left. Seniors who have chronic health problems like diabetes need to be especially careful about their dental hygiene because their illness can make them much more prone to infections or other complications.
Dental infections are very serious and can cause seniors to have significant health problems. It’s very important for seniors to get treatment immediately if they suspect they have a dental infection.
Personal care at home providers can help your senior parent maintain good dental hygiene daily. If your senior parent has personal care at home, they will get assistance from a care provider with tasks like washing up, brushing their teeth, combing their hair, showering, and getting dressed.
If you notice that your senior parent has any of these symptoms of dental problems, they need to see a dentist for an assessment, a professional cleaning, and possibly medication:
Bad Breath That Doesn’t Go Away
Everyone has bad breath sometimes, but if it’s strong and doesn’t go away after brushing, it could be a sign of poor dental hygiene. Food particles and bacteria build up in the mouth when brushing and flossing aren’t done regularly. This leads to a bad smell.
Seniors who live alone may forget to brush or might stop caring about it, especially if they’re feeling lonely or sad. Personal care at home providers can help seniors with daily care and social engagement, with a caregiver coming on a routine basis.
Red or Swollen Gums
Healthy gums should be pink and firm. If a senior’s gums look red, swollen, or bleed when brushing, this could be a sign of gum disease. This happens when plaque builds up around the gums.
Gum disease can be painful and can even lead to tooth loss if not treated. A senior living alone might not notice these changes or may ignore the discomfort.
Loose or Missing Teeth
Teeth should stay firmly in place. If your senior parent notices newly loose teeth or has already lost some, that’s a serious warning sign. This usually means that gum disease or decay has gone untreated for a long time.
Seniors who live alone may avoid the dentist due to cost, lack of transportation, or fear. As a result, problems get worse over time. Personal care at home caregivers can help seniors get to dental and medical appointments.
Trouble Eating or Chewing
If your senior parent is avoiding certain foods, complaining about chewing, or losing weight, it could be because their teeth or gums hurt. Pain while chewing can come from cavities, gum disease, or dentures that don’t fit right.
Living alone, a senior might not tell anyone about the problem and may stop eating healthy foods that require more chewing, like fruits and vegetables. With personal care at home services, caregivers can assess seniors’ health and help them install healthy habits.
Dry Mouth
Dry mouth isn’t just uncomfortable, it also causes dental problems. Saliva helps protect the teeth and wash away food. Without enough saliva, bacteria grow faster, which leads to tooth decay and gum problems.
Some medications cause dry mouth, and seniors who live alone might not know this or may not drink enough water during the day. Personal care at home providers ensure seniors are getting enough hydration and nutrition.
If you or an aging loved one is considering Personal Care at Home in Kearney, NE, please contact the caring staff at AmanaCare today. Call (402) 440-5878, for Central Nebraska Call 308-663-3828
AmanaCare Provides Senior Home Care Services in Lincoln, Kearney, Grand Island, North Platte, Hastings, Omaha, Columbus, Broken Bow, Scottsbluff, Norfolk, and surrounding areas.
- Signs Your Senior Parent Is Neglecting Dental Hygiene - May 23, 2025
- Navigating Medical Alert Systems: A Guide for Omaha Families and AmanaCare Clients - May 23, 2025
- Preparing for Memorial Day with Love and Legacy - May 20, 2025
