​Signs That Your Aging Parent Might Be Coping with Dental Problems

Elderly Care Northbrook IL
 
Dental health problems are common among elderly adults. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that one in four adults over the age of 60 throughout the United States have none of their natural teeth. Among those who still have their natural teeth, issues such as decay, tooth loss, tooth looseness, and infection are common and potentially dangerous. These issues can lead to widespread problems throughout the body, including cardiovascular disease and sepsis. Dental problems can also make it difficult for your aging loved one to get the nutrition that they need, contributing to further issues as they age. As a family caregiver, you can help your parent to avoid these issues by detecting the signs that they might be coping with dental problems so that you can help them to take the necessary steps to improve and protect their dental health.  
 
Some signs that your aging parent might be coping with dental problems include: 

• Complaints of pain. Everyone suffers a toothache or a sensitive place on their tongue or gum occasionally. If they persist, however, they could be suffering a potentially serious problem. Pay attention when your parent is complaining about pain or discomfort in their mouth so that you can bring it to the attention of their dentist. 

• Changes in eating. If your elderly loved one has been limiting what they eat, eating less, or eating much more slowly, it could be because of difficulties with their mouth. Decayed, loose, or painful teeth can make it extremely difficult for your parent to eat, especially when it is crunchy or hard, while sensitivity can make it so that they avoid hot or cold foods. 

• Bad breath. Unpleasant breath before you brush your teeth or after eating certain foods is normal, but if your parent has increased bad breath, severely foul breath, or breath that does not improve significantly with brushing, flossing, or mouthwash, it could be a problem. Bad breath may be a sign of decayed teeth, abscessed teeth, gum infections, or other serious problems.  
 
Starting elderly care for your aging loved one can be a fantastic way to help them maintain better dental hygiene as they age in place. The elderly home care services provider can be with your parent when they need additional support, assistance, and care to encourage them to create a hygiene routine and keep up with it. With these personalized service your parent can take care of their teeth, gums, and the rest of their mouth so that they can take care of their body as well. This means that they will suffer less pain, discomfort, infection, tooth loss, and bad breath that can impact not just their functioning, but how they feel about themselves. If your aging parent has been showing signs of dental problems such as decay, looseness, or infection, this care provider can help them to manage these issues in a way that is healthy and comfortable so that they can minimize the negative consequences associated with these issues.   
 
Source:https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/publications/factsheets/adult_oral_health/adult_older.htm  

If you or an aging loved one are considering Elderly Care Services Northbrook IL, contact the caring staff at Gentle Home Services. Call today (800) 860-9823.

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