One of the most important things that seniors can do to protect their health is maintain good oral health. Poor oral hygiene can lead to gum disease and dental infections. And it can also increase your senior parent’s risk of heart disease, stroke, and other serious health problems.
But as seniors get older, they often have difficulty doing what they need to do to protect their teeth and gums. Brushing their teeth, using mouthwash, and getting to the dentist for regular dental care can all be challenging for seniors living alone.
If your senior parent is struggling to brush their teeth or engage in other healthy oral hygiene practices, personal care at home can help. Personal care at home is specialized care that is focused on helping seniors manage their hygiene through showering, brushing their teeth, washing their hair, and doing other hygiene tasks regularly.
Along with personal care at home, some other things that can help your senior parent maintain good oral hygiene as they get older are:
Brush and Floss Every Day
Brushing and flossing help remove plaque and prevent gum disease, cavities, and bad breath. Seniors should brush their teeth at least twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
Flossing once a day is also important to remove food and plaque from between the teeth, where a toothbrush can’t reach. If regular flossing is difficult, a care provider trained to help with personal care at home can help. Keeping teeth clean helps prevent painful dental problems.
Stay Hydrated to Prevent Dry Mouth
Many seniors experience dry mouth due to medications or health conditions. Saliva is important because it washes away bacteria and helps prevent cavities. If your parent has dry mouth, they should drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Chewing sugar-free gum or sucking on sugar-free lozenges can also help increase saliva production. Avoiding alcohol and caffeine, which can make dry mouth worse, is also a good idea. Staying hydrated protects their teeth and gums from decay and infections.
Visit the Dentist Regularly
Seniors should see the dentist at least twice a year for cleanings and checkups. Even if they have dentures, regular dental visits are important to check for gum disease, oral cancer, and other problems.
Dentists can catch small issues early before they become serious. If cost is a concern, some community programs offer low-cost or free dental care for seniors. Routine checkups help keep their mouth healthy and pain-free.
Eat a Tooth-Friendly Diet
What seniors eat affects their oral health. They should eat foods rich in calcium, like dairy products, leafy greens, and almonds, to keep their teeth and bones strong.
Crunchy fruits and vegetables, like apples and carrots, help clean the teeth naturally. They should also avoid sugary and acidic foods, like soda and candy, which can cause cavities and weaken enamel.
A balanced diet keeps their teeth and gums healthy for longer, and personal care at home providers can help with meal prep and grocery shopping for nutritional support.
Take Care of Dentures or Dental Work
If your parent has dentures, bridges, or implants, they must care for them properly. Dentures should be cleaned daily with a denture brush and soaked overnight in a unique cleaning solution.
They should also fit properly to prevent sores or infections. If they have crowns or implants, they should follow the dentist’s instructions on how to keep them clean.
Taking care of dental work helps prevent infections and keeps the mouth comfortable. Personal care at home providers can help with these routine tasks that often become challenging for aging seniors to stay up on.
If you or an aging loved one is considering Personal Care at Home in Germantown, PA, please contact the caring staff at Better Care Home Health Services today at (267) 766-5218
Better Care Home Health Services is a Trusted Home Care Agency serving Philadelphia, Germantown, Glenside, Elkins Park, Bryn Mawr, Roxborough, Wyncote, Broomall, Upper Darby, Yeadon, Lansdowne, Narberth, Wynnewood, Penn Wynne, Fairmount, Ardmore, Chestnut Hill, and the surrounding areas.
Better Care Home Health Services is a family-owned agency dedicated to providing excellent and comprehensive home health care to individuals and families of Philadelphia, Delaware, Montgomery and Bucks counties. We are honored that God has blessed us with the opportunity to positively impact and change people’s lives. It is our mission to ensure that we provide the very best of care to our clients.
- How To Help Your Senior Parent Maintain Good Oral Care - April 7, 2025
- The Benefits of Stretching for Seniors - March 27, 2025
- How 24-Hour Home Care Can Make Your Mom Feel Safe At Home - March 7, 2025
