If you are caring for an elderly family member, you have a lot to think about. You have to make sure that they take their medicine on time. You may be in charge of making sure that they get their meals. You may be driving them to the store, or to doctor’s appointments, or to the park to play with their grandchildren. You may know that the bodies of seniors need additional attention, but have you thought about their teeth? The teeth of seniors require different treatment than those people who are younger. Here are some pointers for caring for older teeth.
Why Should I Worry About Teeth?
You may be caring for an adult with a lot of health challenges. If you are, those health issues can seem overwhelming, and the last thing on your mind may be caring for their teeth. However, caring for aging teeth is important. That’s because if you care for the oral health of seniors, you can actually help their overall health, which means you can keep them healthier for longer.
Tips for Teeth
Be sure that seniors are brushing their teeth, gums, and tongue each day, twice a day using a soft bristle toothbrush. They do not need to bear down when they are brushing their teeth, because it might damage their gums. Also, seniors need to make sure they are flossing as well, if they have their own teeth. Be sure that if the senior has dentures, they are taking them out at night, brushing them and cleaning them, because it cuts down on the amount of bacteria they have in their mouths. Encourage your senior to drink tap water, because it contains fluoride, which will help their teeth stay stronger over time.
Above all, make sure your loved one visits the dentist twice a year. Not only can we check to make sure they are brushing and flossing, but we can find and treat small problems before they become big problems. Contact our office today.
Merritt Island