How Important Is Oral Hygiene?
Oral hygiene keeps the teeth, gums, tongue, and surrounding tissues in the oral cavity clean and healthy. Good oral hygiene keeps us healthy and prevents other health problems. Optimum oral care is needed for older people to maintain good oral health.
How to Care for Oral Health?
Certain steps are to be followed to maintain the teeth and surrounding tissues. First and foremost is brushing the teeth daily. Routine oral care starts with brushing.
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Brush the teeth twice daily using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
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Brush the teeth and gums gently using circular motions, slightly back and forth.
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If the person finds difficulty in brushing, try using the electronic toothbrush.
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Floss daily if possible.
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Gargle after every meal to avoid food deposition.
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Gargle using antiseptic mouthwash or medicated mouthwash prescribed by the dentist.
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Replace the toothbrush every 2-3 months after the cold subsides.
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Schedule the dental appointment every six months.
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Ensure regular checkups if wearing a denture.
When to Visit the Dentist or Dental Hygienist?
As people age, many changes are seen in dentition and gums. Unfortunately, the pre-existing medical condition exaggerates dental problems. The most common problems are tooth decay, dry mouth, loosening teeth, and swollen gums.
A. Dry Mouth:
A dry mouth, called xerostomia, is due to decreased salivary secretion. As people age, the cells in the salivary glands change, or the duct is blocked due to calcifications. A dry mouth increases the chances of cavities, fungal infections, and bad breath. Some medicines also increase the chances of getting a dry mouth. People with this condition find it difficult to speak, eat and chew.
Home Remedies:
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Frequently sip on water.
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Avoid smoking, alcohol, and carbonated drinks.
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Prefer sugarless chewing gums.
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In extreme conditions, artificial saliva is prescribed by the dentist.
B. Tooth Decay:
Dietary habits and reduced salivary secretion may help with plaque build-up. The bacteria in the plaque chelates on the tooth surface and produces acids. This acid softens the enamel, resulting in cavities.
Home Remedies:
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Avoid frequent snacking.
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Rinse thoroughly after each meal and snack.
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Avoid sugary food.
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Avoid hot beverages.
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In extreme cases, like cavities, visit the dentist, and clean and fill the cavities.
C. Loosened Teeth:
Aging causes changes in the gums and bones. The gums lose their texture and firmness, appearing red and swollen. This condition is called gingivitis. In addition, the underlying bones get resorbed, resulting in Periodontitis (the loosening of the teeth within the socket). Gingivitis subsides on simple home remedies. In case of loosened teeth, consult the dentist, who might suggest different treatment options.
Home Remedies:
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Brushing and flossing daily.
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Rinse thoroughly after a meal.
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Use lukewarm water along with rock salt to soothe the gums.
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Avoid smoking.
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Massage gently on the gums to increase the blood supply.
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Prefer a balanced diet.
D. Bad Breath:
Bad breath or halitosis results due to improper cleaning of the tongue and teeth. A foul smell comes from the accumulation of food deposits on the tooth surface and tongue; certain dental conditions include severe tooth decay, abscess, plaque build-up, bleeding gums, and dry mouth. Some older individuals replaced the missing teeth with removable dentures. Uncleaned dentures also cause bad breath. In addition, these people are found to be socially inactive and lack confidence.
Home Remedies:
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Proper cleaning of the oral cavity.
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Treating the cavities as early as possible.
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Use of professional cleaning aids.
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Removing and cleaning the dentures daily.
What Is the Importance of Oral Care in Older People?
Ignoring dental conditions loses the teeth. Poor oral hygiene paves the way for other health problems. For example, people with poor oral hygiene are diagnosed with heart diseases. If the tooth is lost, the health is lost. Proper replacement of the missing tooth is necessary. If not, problems in eating, absorption, and metabolism arise. The food must be chewed properly to make digestion easier in the stomach. The key nutrient critical from the food is absorbed only on proper chewing. Therefore, care must be taken not to lose the teeth.
Is Good Health Care Challenging in Older People?
Yes, Dental problems in older people, especially those with restricted mobility, impaired cognition, dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease, are common. As a result, their mind and body do not coordinate, and they find it difficult to perform tasks. Therefore, the family member should perform oral care independently or assist. Schedule appointments at appropriate times with the dentist to predict the problem early. As they age, they fear the cost of dental treatment as Medicaid does not cover dental expenses.
How to Facilitate Good Oral Care?
As a family caretaker, emphasizing the benefits of good oral hygiene is important. Be positive and encourage cleaning the teeth. Also, monitor the diet because they cannot chew on hard food because of weakened teeth. Check for ulcers, bad breath, and cavities. Pain is not an initial symptom of a dental condition, so look for fixing an appointment with a dentist if pain persists. Good oral care implications help prevent malnutrition, deficiencies, diabetes, heart diseases, etc.
How to Care for Dentures?
Older people without natural teeth should go for dentures. Dentures are removable prostheses that act like natural teeth restoring form and function. Certain tips are to be followed to maintain good oral hygiene with dentures.
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Wash dentures using mild soap and a soft-bristled brush.
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Store dentures in a protective case when not in use.
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Clean the gums, palate, and dentures after every meal to avoid the accumulation of food debris.
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Use a tongue scraper to clean the tongue.
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Handle dentures with care. If broken, replacement takes time as it is a lengthy process.
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Consult the dentist if the snug fit needs to be recovered.
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Sodium perborate tablets are available, which can be used for removing stains and tough deposits on the dentures.
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Remove and wash daily. Soak it in normal water overnight.
Conclusion:
With advanced technology, oral care is made easy. Awareness and propagation of professional aids also promote good oral health and prevent other diseases. Nowadays, people are keen on preventive care for mental and social well-being.
