Did you know that one in five Americans over sixty-five has no natural teeth left?
Seniors who lose their teeth often struggle with malnutrition and other health problems.
In fact, poor oral health is one of the leading causes of senior illness and death in America.
That's why it's so important to make sure your elderly loved ones are taking good care of their teeth.
Here are a few tips to help them stay healthy and smiling.
Dental problems are common, especially for our seniors.
They’re at high risk of acquiring oral infections and complications that come along with it. These can include dry mouth, severe gum diseases, and oral cancer.
Several studies have also shown that the mouth can be the window to one’s general health, where it can show signs of infections and malnutrition.
Or it can even be the entry point to the respiratory and digestive system, causing systemic infections in the body.
And according to studies, poor oral hygiene often contributes to the progression of chronic diseases.
The American Academy of Periodontology states that there’s a strong connection between periodontal disease and heart health.
Seniors with periodontal disease are more likely to have coronary artery disease or stroke.
It can exacerbate existing cardiac conditions and even increase the risk of infective endocarditis.
Men with gum disease bacteria are 30% more likely to get blood cancer. They’re also likely to get pneumonia due to mouth bacteria aspirated into the lungs.
Other research also shows an association between oral disease and the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.
The bacteria may travel along the brain and contribute to the development of the disease.
And since oral health is associated with the body’s overall health, our senior dental care should be prioritized.
Our seniors are more likely to experience dental emergencies, such as toothaches, broken dentures, and broken teeth.
And if they’re ever in this situation, it can be scary and painful.
Often they’re unsure of what to do, who to call, and what they can do at home.
Fortunately, here are some guidelines on how to best handle common dental emergencies.
While you might think you can remember all the things you need to discuss with your dentist, it’s a good idea to make a checklist for them.
You can use it as your reference during your visit. And this should include everything you want to ask your dentist.
It can be as simple as asking at what age is dental treatment free, what is affordable dental care for seniors, or any recommended dental care products.
And if anything seems out of the ordinary, like having bleeding gums or heightened pain sensitivity, be sure to bring it up to your dentist.
Update your dentist or dental hygienist on your complete medical history.
It helps the dentist make sure that common conditions like diabetes are not affecting their dental health.
Always alert your doctor to any changes since your previous dental visit. The more they have an overview, the better they can give their specialized care to you.
Going regularly to dental care is very essential to make the most of their dental visits.
Dentists not only check their teeth every visit but also look for signs of oral infections or gum diseases.
They also look for other dental issues and get X-rays for diagnosis. Also, these regular dental visits help seniors and dentists build their relationships more.
Our seniors are more likely to experience dental emergencies, such as toothaches, broken dentures, and broken teeth.
And if they’re ever in this situation, it can be scary and painful.
Often they’re unsure of what to do, who to call, and what they can do at home.
Fortunately, here are some guidelines on how to best handle common dental emergencies.
This is one of the most common emergencies that seniors can get.
Trying to repair dentures at home is not recommended. The best thing you can do for this one is to call your dentist and see what the next step should be.
Calling professionals will assess the damage and can provide you with options on how you can get it fixed.
Chipped or broken teeth can hurt.
Rinse with warm water and use a piece of gauze to stop the bleeding. And then apply a cold compress to the site of injury to relieve swelling and pain.
Toothaches are never good signs. It can mean several conditions, including tooth decay.
And while some can manage without going to the dentist, certain signs like fever and swelling could mean infection, which requires urgent care.
Try to avoid taking painkiller medications because they can affect the gum tissues. Instead, use a cold compress and call for a house dental visit or emergency care.
Regular dental visits are essential for seniors, as they help prevent problems and catch small issues before they become big.
You can do a few things to get the most out of your appointments, like being prepared with a list of questions and concerns, and keeping up with at-home care.
If you have a dental emergency, it's essential to know what to do and who to call. We hope this post has raised awareness about the importance of senior dental care.
Please share it with anyone you think might benefit from reading it!
That's all for today.
Take care, keep mom safe and have a great day!
Winn
Dental care for seniors is an important part of overall health.
Good dental care can help prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and other health problems like heart disease.
If you're a caregiver for a senior, here's what you need to know about dental care.
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), oral diseases are common causes of medical or emergency visits, especially among the elderly.
Chronic diseases and multiple medications increase the need for medical care.
This is true of dental issues as well.
And one of the common dental problems that our seniors face, dry mouth can be a side effect of medication as well as a normal response to aging..
Normally, saliva helps protect the gums and teeth by fighting off plaque and bacteria in the mouth.
However, the body’s ability to produce saliva reduces as we age. And this places older adults at greater risk for cavities, eventually leading to tooth decay.
Another common problem they face is gum disease or periodontitis.
68% of older adults have this condition. It’s mainly from smoking and poor oral hygiene, which can lead to bleeding gums or severe infections causing tooth loss.
Tooth loss also affects a senior’s nutrition. Older adults with missing teeth and receding gums won’t be able to chew foods easily. This reduces the body's ability to heal.
Last, one of the worst dental problems they can have is oral sores. These are painful lesions forming around the soft tissues appearing on the roof or floor of the mouth, cheeks, and gums.
And for the elderly who regularly smoke or drink alcohol, the risk is even greater. If these sores progress they can lead to oral cancers.
Dental care can be expensive. Fortunately, there are affordable plans available for low-income seniors.
Many dentists offer their health services with complimentary senior discounts. They may even charge reduced fees through dental society-sponsored assistance programs.
Other dental offices also provide in-house membership for new and existing patients.
This membership offers to help individuals without insurance buy care in advance at lower costs.
Other sources include local health departments and federally funded health centers that provide free or reduced-cost services, including routine dental care.
And since help varies depending on locations, seniors can call their local dental clinic for information.
Caregivers and health workers can ask about the nearest assistance programs and affordable clinics.
Seniors can also go to local universities and dental school's clinics. At certain times, interns and practicing dentists would need participants for consultations or minor procedures.
Some dental hygiene schools also provide preventive dental care at low costs as part of their internship experience for dental hygienists.
If you’re looking at a place to start, you can check out Toothwisdom.org and Eldercare Locator.
Finding the right dentist for our seniors can be easily overwhelming at first. But it doesn’t have to be.
The key is to know where to look. And this is where caregivers and senior advocates can come in.
Here are some tips to help choose the right dentist for the elderly.
Asking other seniors, families, or friends where they go for their dental needs is a good way to start.
They can share their experiences and insights with their dentist, and even refer you to them. It’s also good to check and read the patient reviews on sites for more useful information.
Once you’ve listed your options, it’s time to look into the dental team’s background and experience.
Check how many years the office has been running, and who makes up the team. Know whether they have the qualifications and if they can provide the services you need.
Booking an initial consultation and meeting the dental team helps to know whether seniors are comfortable working with them.
It’s great to have someone who can look after our seniors without judgment.
They’ll be able to raise concerns about their oral health. And these professionals will also offer genuine advice based on their experience.
Always consider what insurance plans they accept and which payment methods they prefer.
You would also want to inquire whether they’re following the dental fee guide.
And if the seniors have their major dental procedures, see if the dental clinic offers payment plans.
There are a variety of dental problems that commonly affect seniors. These can include tooth loss, gum disease, and dry mouth.
There are many different types of dental care available to seniors, including dentures, implants, and bridges.
It is important to find a dentist who specializes in senior dental care and who can offer your loved one the best possible treatment.
Watch out for our next blog post where we discuss choosing the right dentist for your needs.
That's all for today.
Take care, keep mom safe and have a great day!
Winn
Does your loved one have a first aid kit for home use?
If not, you may want to consider putting one together for them. A first aid kit can be a lifesaver in an emergency.
Here are 5 tips for building a first aid kit for home use for seniors.
A first aid manual is an essential addition to any home.
It provides step-by-step instructions for care in various situations, from minor cuts and scrapes to more severe injuries.
The manual can also be a valuable resource in a natural disaster or other emergencies when professional medical help is unavailable.
Most of the information needed is available with quick search on a phone or computer, but in the heat of the moment, a physical manual can reduce stress and information overload.
If you're making a first aid kit for home use, it's practical to include personal information in the manual.
Indicate medical information about the senior at home. Include information like blood type, medications, and allergies, if any.
A first aid manual should be kept in an easily accessible location. Adding manuals in areas such as a kitchen drawer or nightstand makes sense.
Doing this ensures that it can be quickly retrieved in an accident or medical emergency.
By being prepared with a first aid manual, you can ensure that your senior loved ones are better equipped to handle any medical situation.
Be sure to include supplies like bandages, gauze, tape, scissors, and tweezers.
These medical supplies will come in handy for minor injuries.
Severe injuries may require a trip to the emergency room. But these can minimize the damage while you're waiting for medical help.
It also makes sense to know how to use the bandages during emergencies. Here's a video you can view to learn how.
Ensure all family members know where the kits are located so they can access them immediately.
With a bit of preparation, you can be confident that you will be able to handle any minor medical emergency that comes your way.
Several over-the-counter medications can help manage minor illnesses and pain.
These include pain relievers, antacids, and antihistamines.
Pain relievers can help to ease a headache or muscle pain.
Antacids can help to relieve heartburn and indigestion.
Antihistamines can help reduce the symptoms of allergies, such as sneezing and runny nose.
But while it's practical to keep them handy, it is essential to read the labels of these medications carefully.
It's also necessary to check with doctors if there are any contraindications with medications that your loved ones are already taking.
Many people keep a list of emergency contacts on their phones or computers.
But it is also essential to have a physical copy in an emergency.
You should keep this list safe and ensure everyone in your household knows where it is located.
The list should include the names and contact information of your family, close friends, neighbors, and medical personnel like doctors.
You should also include the contact information for your local police department, fire department, and hospital.
This readily available information ensures that help will always be just a phone call away.
A well-stocked first aid kit is essential to being prepared for any emergency.
Check your first aid kit regularly to ensure that it includes everything you need, and restock it as needed.
Make sure you have essentials for seniors, like antiseptic creams, burn ointments, and band-aids for nicks and cuts.
It's also a good idea to check the contents at least once a year.
See if any expired items need replacement. And make sure to prioritize using the stuff near the expiration date.
By restocking your first aid kit regularly, you can be confident that you will be prepared for anything.
A first aid kit is an essential part of any home, especially for households with seniors.
Seniors become more susceptible to injury and illness. And they may not heal as quickly as when they were younger.
That's why it's essential to have a first aid kit tailored to seniors' needs.
Senior-specific first aid kits typically include bandages, pain relievers, and antiseptics designed to be gentle on aging skin.
In addition, many first aid kits for seniors also come with educational materials that can help caregivers provide the best possible care.
With a senior-specific first aid kit on hand, you can rest assured that your loved one will be well-prepared in an emergency.
It's essential to have a first aid kit in the home, especially if seniors are living in the household.
So make sure you keep these things in mind when creating a first aid kit for home use with seniors.
What are your must-haves in your senior first aid kit? Share them with us below.
That's all for today.
Take care, keep mom safe and have a great day!
Winn
Have you tried packing a home first-aid kit for seniors?
It can be overwhelming to care for seniors and the elderly, especially if they are your aging parents.
For one, our aging parents aren't as strong and nimble as they used to be.
Their bodies change as they grow older. And because of this, they are more prone to accidents and falls, even at home.
As caregivers, we aim to ensure that they are safe at home even when we're not available.
So we must ensure they have a home first aid kit that's easily accessible.
Today, I'll share some of the must-haves in your home first aid kit.
Let's get started.
Antiseptic creams, wipes, or ointments are always a great addition to a first aid kit at home.
These chemical creams can reduce the growth of microorganisms on the skin, wounds, and mucous membranes.
The most common types of antiseptics are alcohol, peroxide, and antibacterial ointments.
Antiseptics are commonly used in the medical setting as cleansers for the skin before operation and treatment.
Antiseptics are used for treating minor burns and scalds, insect bites and stings, sores and blisters, and even sunburn for home use.
However, it is also essential to check the antiseptic creams used. High-concentration antiseptics can also cause irritation and chemical burns on the skin.
Hydrogen peroxide can be helpful initially, but once the body has begun healing, it will kill your bodies immune cells as well as organic material left in the wound from outside your body.
Do not use them on large wounds, burns, animal bites, and scratches. It is also unsafe to use in areas where foreign objects are stuck.
Bandages can keep wounds sterile by providing a clean cover to the injury while it heals.
There are a variety of bandages you can keep and use in a first aid kit.
Gauze can help hold dressings in place and protects the skin with deeper wounds. Ace wrap bandages are great for sprains and muscle strains.
Butterfly bandages or steri-strips help keep cuts together without the need for stitches. They're also an excellent option for seniors with thin skin that won't tolerate stitches.
Self-adherent bandages are also an option for seniors with delicate skin.
While they're not absorbent like gauze, self-adherent bandages are also an alternative to elastic bandages. They can be used for compression without requiring clips or safety pins.
Accidents in the kitchen are inevitable, especially for seniors who are starting to have vision problems.
That's why it's also necessary to add burn ointments to your first aid kits.
Over-the-counter burn ointments and relief creams come in varieties that relieve first-degree burn pains.
Aloe-based ointments and creams are awesome for first-degree burns. It's also an excellent moisturizer for the elderly.
Some burn ointments also have anti-itch components to soothe the itch that comes with the healing process.
However, you should consult a doctor in case of higher burn degrees before applying any topical creams to the affected area.
Our skin gets thinner and loses some protective layer as we grow older. This is often why seniors easily bruise when they bump into corners and things.
Certain medications like aspirin, naproxen, and ibuprofen affect the blood's ability to clot. This can cause the skin to bruise.
Because of this, you must keep a cold compress ready at all times.
The cold tends to decrease swelling and inflammation by restricting blood circulation. It also numbs the area and helps with pain management.
Cold compress and packs are non-invasive and excellent at managing several aches and pains.
It can help manage gout pain, muscle strains and sprains, tendonitis, fever, and headaches.
Instant cold packs are also available in the market and are great for emergencies.
While our loved ones are often resistant to using cold, they will likely benefit in the medium term fir some short term discomfort of being cold.
Hydrocortisone creams are a must for seniors, especially those with mobility issues.
This medication is used for various skin conditions like dermatitis, allergies, rashes, and itching.
Hydrocortisone is a steroid as the active ingredient that reduces skin's redness, itching, and swelling.
It's perfect for diaper rash, eczema, insect bites, and other skin issues.
However, it is best to consult a doctor before using a steroid on seniors as they can cause issues with other medical conditions such as diabetes etc.
Contact your doctor immediately in case of bumps, skin discoloration, or bleeding on the skin.
Never underestimate the severity of a bug bite.
There are several serious diseases spread by bugs, like ticks and mosquitoes. And some of them can be fatal, especially for young kids and seniors.
There's Lyme disease, encephalitis, and the West Nile virus. The symptoms can be as mild as the flu or as severe as serious neurological infections, permanent muscle weakness, or death.
The good thing is you can now choose from several options for insect repellents.
You can use topical or natural creams containing essential oils like eucalyptus, citronella, or cinnamon oil.
Keep them handy for seniors, especially during the summer season.
If you're a senior or caring for one, keep your home first aid kit stocked with the right things.
With a bit of preparation, you can rest easy knowing that you're prepared for minor accidents and injuries.
Check your kit regularly, and remember to replenish any items running low.
And watch out for our next blog post, where we'll share tips on making home first aid kits for seniors.
That's all for today.
Take care, keep mom safe and have a great day!
Winn