As our parents grow older and need more care, we should not forget that their oral health is an essential part of their general health. A time comes when we become carers for those who raised us. Instead of them driving us to music or karate lessons, we now have to take them to the hairdresser and to medical appointments. It is easy to forget oral health in the process, yet it is vital and can help our parents stay well in old age.
Arthritis is a common condition in older people, and as it progresses they can lose the dexterity needed to brush their own teeth properly. Age-related memory problems make it harder to remember to brush and floss. Broken teeth or dentures can be uncomfortable and cut into the cheeks or tongue. If a parent or family member can no longer express how they feel, they may swap healthy food for soft, carbohydrate-rich food with less nutritional value.
Here are some tips to help your relative keep their mouth healthy while still giving them the freedom to look after themselves:
Make sure they go regularly for cleaning and examination. Even if they have dentures, it is important to see a dentist every six months. Receding bone can change how a denture fits, and many cancers in the mouth do not hurt. A professional examination can make sure everything is in order.
Brush their dentures. Bacteria love to grow in dark, damp places. If dentures are not checked and cleaned every evening, an already weakened immune system may not be able to fend off an infection. Check that there are no cracks that could irritate your relative’s lips, cheeks, tongue or gums. Dentures also prevent the tissue of the mouth from «breathing», and removing them while your relative sleeps helps keep the gum tissue healthy.
Make brushing easier. There are many brushes with large handles and electric brushes on the market designed specifically for hands troubled by arthritis.
Remember floss. Floss is still an important part of oral hygiene. Help your relative by buying floss picks or angled floss holders, where a small piece of floss is attached to a base that is easy to hold. Take care not to force the floss between the teeth, though, or you can do more harm than good.
Check their breath, discreetly. Bad breath is a sign of gum disease or an inflamed tooth. If their breath smells rancid shortly after brushing and flossing, arrange an appointment for an examination.
Being a carer is both an honour and a significant change in life. Remember that change can be challenging for older people too, especially if they have a cognitive impairment such as dementia or Alzheimer’s. With these tips, helping your ageing parents or family members keep their mouths healthy is one worry less.
