Did you know that April is Oral Health Month? Perhaps you are thinking, “that’s great but what does it have to do with seniors and health care?” The reality is, as the medical community learns more and more each year, that there are significant and important connections between our mental, physical and emotional health. Our dental health is definitely related to our overall wellbeing in a number of ways and that’s why today we thought we’d spend some time exploring the importance of good oral health care, and how Milestone Health can support your loved one, all while celebrating Oral Health Month!
As we age, and particularly if we face other health challenges, caring for our teeth sometimes becomes more problematic. If you have a loved one who needs extra support, perhaps lives in an assisted living facility or who may even be living with dementia, visiting a dentist is difficult and sometimes even brushing teeth is challenging. Knowing and understanding the importance of oral health care as it relates to our overall health – this is not a good scenario. It’s just one of the many reasons we provide companion care and support that includes cueing and supervising the activities of daily living or accompanying a loved one to appointments, like a visit to the Dentist. We offer a dementia care program that addresses both medical and non-medical care needs and our personal support workers are also available to assist with morning and evening routines that include oral hygiene. All of these together mean you do have options when it comes to supporting the senior you love. But what else can you do?
Oral Health Care Tips & Tools
- Schedule an appointment for your loved one to visit a dentist or hygienist. Chances are it’s been awhile so take the initiative and go ahead and schedule an appointment.
- If dental coverage is not available, look to the community health clinics and/or both newly announced and existing programs that support those who are seniors or living on a fixed income to visit the dentist and obtain the oral health care they need.
- Make oral health care easy by making everything easily accessible including a toothbrush that has soft bristles. Often, as we age, our teeth and gums become more sensitive and something as simple as a softer toothbrush will make the brushing process a little more comfortable.
- If you are dealing with a dementia patient, you may have to employ other methods for oral health care including the use of a small cloth for rubbing teeth rather than vigorously brushing, or special “toothbrushes” specifically designed to care for senior’s oral health. Ask your dentist or even your health care provider for more information on these specific tools meant to support your loved one’s dental care.
Why is Oral Health Care So Important?
- As we mentioned at the outset, oral health is strongly linked to overall good health. Research has uncovered links between poor teeth and gum health, and even gum disease, and heart health. Patients with gastrointestinal disease often experience a deterioration of the outer layer of dentin and/or experience more cavities as a result of their disease.
- Cardiovascular disease and/or Endocarditis can be direct results of too much bacteria in the mouth causing infection in other areas of the body or in the blood.
- Pneumonia and diabetes are also risks associated with tooth decay.
- Much as gastrointestinal disease may impact oral health (or poor oral health can be the first sign of something like Crohn’s or colitis) so too can a disease like osteoporosis show up as periodontal bone loss or tooth loss.
- Poor oral health, sore teeth and gums or poorly fitting dentures contribute to loss of appetite and poor nutrition in seniors as they can no longer eat the foods they love, or a healthy combination of nutritious fresh, healthy fruits and vegetables because they are hard to bite into and/or chew.
- It’s estimated that as many as 95% or more of adults aged 65+ have at least one untreated cavity or are experiencing tooth decay. Think about what it has been like in the past for you if you’ve ever had a toothache! Poor oral health can even lead to patients who drink less and as a result even dehydration can become an issue.
In short, there are many reasons to emphasize the importance of good oral health for your senior loved one. The consequences can be significantly farther reaching than just having to have a tooth pulled or a cavity filled. Realistically, having to undergo any kind of a dental procedure as we age is potentially more problematic so caring for the teeth, mouth and gums as well as we possibly can just makes good sense. If you need assistance with providing assistance to someone you love in supporting their oral health, Milestone Health can help. We offer services in Hamilton, Halton, Mississauga, Brampton, the GTA as well as in Barrie, Midland, Pentanguishene and Orillia. Contact a member of our team with a call, online chat or through email. We’re Milestone Health and we offer a variety of care solutions for you or your loved ones, with safety, dignity and respect – all in the comfort of your own home, wherever home is!”