What Are Some Ways that Your Loved-One Can Keep Her Mouth Healthy as She Ages?
August 24, 2017
Keeping your loved-one’s mouth healthy as she ages can be relatively easy if she’s starting with some healthy habits. If her habits are less than healthy already, she may need to adjust some of the things she’s doing.
Start Using Mouthwash
Mouthwash can help to kill off some of the bacteria that your senior might be missing with brushing alone. It can also help to reduce the amount of plaque that builds up on her teeth, which can help her whole mouth to feel cleaner for a longer period of time. Talk with your elderly adult’s dentist about the right types of mouthwash to use for best results.
Brush After Every Meal
If your aging family member isn’t already brushing after every meal, it might be time for her to start doing so. Choose a soft-bristled toothbrush and a toothpaste that is formulated to be gentle. If your aging adult needs a little extra help, look for toothbrushes that have a larger handle so it’s easier for her to hold.
Use an Oral Hydrator
Some medications can make your loved-one’s mouth drier than it normally is. If you find this is the case for your parent, her dentist might recommend using something called an oral hydrator. Unlike drinking water or other beverages, this is a special formulation that helps your loved one’s mouth to stay moist for a longer period of time.
Avoid Tobacco Products and Alcohol
Both tobacco and alcohol, including sugar alcohols in gum and other products, can dry out your senior family member’s mouth. If your parent isn’t already limiting or eliminating these types of products, you might want to formulate a plan with her dentist or primary care physician, to help her to reduce the usage of these types of products. It’s not always easy to make these changes, but they can make a big difference for your aging family member’s oral and overall health.
If your elderly family member needs extra help managing her oral care at home, consider hiring a home care provider to give her a hand. They can help her work out a routine for oral care and even go through it with her if she needs more help. Good oral hygiene is important in the latter years of life.
If you are considering home care in Pittsburgh, PA, please contact the friendly staff at Liken Home Care.
Call (412) 693-6820 or (855) 856-0551