Wednesday, March 24th, 2010
Yesterday’s blog focused upon overseeing the oral health of children, but there is more than one life situation where you might be responsible for caring for someone else’s dental hygiene on a regular basis. Senior caregivers, whether family or professional, may need to assist seniors in maintaining their oral health. In some seniors, dexterity can greatly impact their ability to brush and floss properly, and in others, it can be mobility or memory that has an impact. Caregivers shouldn’t take over the oral care of any senior, because allowing them to maintain their ability is essential, but they can provide basic assistance. Of course, with some seniors, complete care might be necessary as well.
- In seniors who have the dexterity to provide for their oral health, caregivers can simply encourage them through the process if it is memory due to illnesses like Alzheimer’s that make the process a struggle
- Make sure the toothbrush that a senior is using has soft bristles, whether or not the senior or caregiver will be doing the brushing
- If caregivers are doing the brushing, it’s easiest to stand behind the senior, and important to ensure they’re comfortable
- Complete periodic checks between dental visits
- For seniors who have dentures rather than natural teeth, it’s important to clean them daily using denture cleaner not toothpaste
Via: Canadian Dental Association , Image Via: Flickr Creative Commons
Tags: dental care, dental health for caregivers, dental hygeine, dentists, oral care for seniors, senior care, ToothSavers
Posted in Oral Health for Seniors | No Comments »
Friday, March 12th, 2010
It’s that stuff in your mouth; you know, the fluid you’re constantly telling your children or perhaps your spouse to stop spitting and blowing bubbles with. But it serves purposes that go far beyond the disgusting unpleasant, in fact, it helps break down food and protects the mouth from decay. People who have a lack of saliva production can experience a substantial amount of tooth decay due to building plaque, eroding enamel, and even fungal growth. Bacteria is able to take over the mouth without anything to moderate it, and this can cause serious complications.
There are products on the market to help protect dry mouths, but increased oral care is also necessary.
- Everyone should be brushing at least twice a day, but for those with decreased quantities of saliva, it’s even more crucial, and best to brush after every meal especially particularly sugary items
- Don’t skip flossing! Do so daily to prevent the build-up with plaque
- Skip the sugary foods that will increase the likelihood of tooth decay. If it’s not possible to escape the craving, brush right after eating
- Pick a toothpaste with fluoride
- Make sure you visit the dentist as recommended, he/she may also have additional tips to help you care for your teeth
Via: About.com and UI Healthcare
Tags: dry mouth, how saliva protects oral health, oral care with dry mouth, tooth decay, ToothSavers
Posted in Dental Tips, Oral Health for Seniors | No Comments »
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