Almost 70% of older adults have some level of gum disease. One out of every five older adults has lost every tooth to gum disease or tooth decay. Oral care is essential at every age, but Medicare doesn’t cover dental care, so older adults don’t always keep up with dental visits. Plus, arthritis in the hands can impact how easy it is to brush and floss the teeth. Personal care at home providers can assist your loved one with these issues.
You don’t want your parent’s oral care needs going ignored. Some oral care products can help keep their teeth and gums healthy in between dental exams. Take a closer look at them.
Electric Toothbrush and Fluoride Mouthwash
Dentists often recommend that patients switch to electric toothbrushes. The vibrations and oscillations break up plaque more effectively than a standard toothbrush. Plus, they often have a large rounded handle, which is much easier to hold if you have arthritis.
Acidic foods and wear and tear over the years can damage the protective enamel coating. It’s why the yellowish dentin starts to show on older adults’ teeth. A fluoride mouthwash is helpful in helping protect the enamel coating and is handy for swishing out the mouth after a meal.
Gum and Enamel Care Toothpaste
Some toothpaste formulations help with gum and enamel care. They often have a slightly higher level of fluoride to help restore enamel over time. If your dad sees a dentist or has made his first appointment, ask that dentist for recommendations on the best products.
Refillable Flosser or Water Flosser
Brands like VeriFloss, T-Smile, and Listerine make refillable flossers that take a rounded toothbrush-style handle and slide in a floss pick. It makes it easier to reach into the mouth to floss between each tooth.
Water flossers are handy when it comes to flossing large food particles from between teeth and in the gumline. A powerful spray of water goes into the teeth to break up particles and flush them from the mouth.
Nothing Replaces the Importance of Dental Exams or Extra Care from Personal Care at Home Aides
If your dad doesn’t have dental insurance and can’t afford an add-on policy, there’s still a way to get a dental cleaning. Look for a college or vocational school that has a dental program for training dentists or dental hygienists. They often offer free cleanings and exams in order to get patients for training. All dental care is performed under licensed dental instructors.
Should your dad’s dentist determine he has gum disease, health insurance often covers the care required to get the gums healthy again. Gum disease can impact your dad’s health by causing inflammation linked to heart disease and diabetes, so it could be covered by his Medicare. Make sure he’s aware of this and isn’t avoiding the dentist due to financial concerns.
When oral hygiene is becoming too much for your dad to do on his own, arrange personal care at home. He can have caregivers help him brush and floss his teeth. Talk to our specialist in personal care at home to get started.
If you or a family member need to hire Personal Care at Home Services in Coconut Creek FL, call the caring professionals at Star Multi Care today at (954) 870-4770. We provide service in Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Coconut Creek, Deerfield Beach, Delray Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Lauderhill, Margate, Pompano Beach, and Tamarac.
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