As people age, one can certainly expect a decline in overall health. Various parts of the body start to become less functional, affecting how they live their daily lives. That is why many older adults live in an Elderly Care Home in Fresno, California where they can receive assistance with their daily chores.

One of the many aspects of health that you have to look into when it comes to your senior loved ones is dental health. When the teeth become unhealthy, your loved ones will find it hard to eat, thereby affecting their nutrition. At the same time, poor dental health affects their confidence.

Factors Leading to Poor Dental Hygiene

There are a number of factors that can cause poor dental hygiene in the elderly. These include the following:

• Gum diseases – Gum diseases become more common as people age.
• Medications – The medications that your senior loved ones take for various health conditions may cause dry mouth. Dry mouth can lead to the growth of bacteria inside the mouth, specifically the teeth.
• Poor dental hygiene – This may be caused by hand tremors, arthritis or hand weakness which can contribute to struggles in cleaning the teeth. Assistance on Personal Services may be necessary.

Tips for Good Dental Health

To keep your senior loved ones’ teeth healthy, consider the following tips:

• Remind them to brush and floss daily

  For healthy teeth, regular brushing and flossing are essential. Help them remember to brush and floss their teeth on a daily basis. If they have troubles maneuvering the toothbrush, you might want to give them an electric toothbrush, instead.

• Encourage them to quit using tobacco or smoking

  Chewing tobacco and smoking can lead to tooth loss. If your loved ones have these habits, encourage them to quit. They may need to talk to a care professional about quitting.

• Help them stay hydrated

  Drinking water can help prevent dry mouth, as well as flush food bits from the mouth. Remind them to drink a glass of water as frequently as needed. If they live in a Residential Care Facility, a caregiver can help them remember this essential task.

• Serve nutritious meals

  The foods they eat also impact the health of their teeth. They should be eating nutritious meals regularly, foods that address their dietary needs.

• Assist them when visiting their dentists

  Regular dental visits can help monitor the health of their teeth. Make sure they attend such visits.

Attentive Senior Care creates a fun, safe, and healthy place for your senior loved ones to live independently and happily. Call us about our services today!