Gum disease is common for many elderly individuals. It occurs when plaque builds up along the gum line and gets infected. If it goes untreated for a long period, the damage to the gums and surrounding teeth will continue to worsen, leading to possible tooth loss. Providers who offer personal care can be a great resource when you’re looking for someone to help your loved one with her oral care hygiene.
Gum Disease Symptoms to Watch For
Some signs your senior should be looking for that may indicate she has gum disease include:
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Personal Care Crestline OH – Gum Disease Symptoms in Seniors Pain while chewing
- Gums that change in color and become a bright red.
- Gums that bleed easily
- Swollen gums
- Teeth that are more sensitive to cold or hot
- Loose teeth
- A receding gum line so that more of the lower portions or root areas of teeth are exposed
- Consistent bad breath
Gum Disease Risk Factors for the Elderly
While gum disease often occurs as a natural part of aging and the decline in the body’s ability to fight off infections, certain health conditions and lifestyle habits can increase the risk of your loved one developing gum disease.
Not taking care of the teeth and gums with regular brushing, flossing, and dental appointments. Keeping on top of regular oral care is the best way to avoid possible gum disease.
Smoking and tobacco use. Tobacco use may be one of the largest risk factors in the development and progression of gum disease.
Tooth grinding. Grinding teeth can put excess force and pressure on the supporting tissues of the teeth and make them more susceptible to gum disease or injury.
Other health conditions such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and cardiovascular disease can all affect the gums and mouth, making it more likely to have health issues such as gum disease.
Poor nutrition. Not eating enough nutrient-rich foods to support a healthy immune system can increase the risk of an infection developing and reduce the body’s ability to fight it off.
Some medications, such as antidepressants and some heart medications, can increase the risk of oral health issues.
When Your Elderly Loved One Needs Help with Oral Care
For some seniors, it can be difficult to care for their teeth and gums due to health reasons. Arthritis can make using the tools needed to clean a mouth difficult, and cognitive issues can make it easy for your loved one to forget to complete all of the important steps of good oral hygiene.
A personal care provider can assist your loved one with brushing and flossing as well as assist with the care and upkeep of dentures. Having someone help with this personal care at home need for your loved one will also increase the odds that if something is wrong in her mouth or gums, that extra set of eyes will notice it and then help her find the right person to professionally review what was spotted.
Personal care providers can help with oral care as well as many other personal care tasks so that your loved one can continue to live independently while getting the support she needs in areas that are troublesome for her.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Personal Care Services in Crestline OH, please contact the caring staff at Central Star Home Health today. Call 419-756-9449
Central Star Home Health is a Trusted Home Care Agency in Ohio including Ashland, Bellville, Bucyrus, Crestline, Galion, Lexington, Mansfield, Marion, Mt. Vernon, Ontario, Shelby, and Willard.
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