The Importance Of Good Dental Hygiene For Seniors

As your parents age, you may see a significant decline in the amount of attention they pay to their personal hygiene, especially when it comes to their oral health. There are several contributing factors to this decline. Your parents may, for example, be less engaged in social activities and, so, no longer feel that it is necessary to brush their teeth on a regular basis. In some cases, poor personal hygiene may also be a sign of depression -- that your parents just don't care anymore about their appearance or own well-being. The onset of dementia or other age-related forgetfulness can also cause seniors to forget to perform even simple everyday tasks. For example, a person who is suffering with Alzheimer's disease may not remember to brush their teeth.

Speak to Your Parents

If your parents have an oral hygiene problem, they may not even realize it. So it may be up to you to notice if their poor oral habits could be having a negative effect on their lifestyle. And if so, you may need to be the one to broach this uncomfortable subject with them. For example, if your parents have stopped brushing their teeth and have not visited a dentist recently, tartar could begin to build up on their teeth, which could then lead to gingivitis, bad breath and even tooth loss. Unfortunately, if your parent's breath gets unbearable, others — including beloved grandchildren — may avoid visiting with them.  

Remember to be gentle when discussing the issue with your parents and to also offer them assistance. Otherwise, you might just come across as being insulting. So, for instance, you could offer to purchase electric toothbrushes for your parents. 

Take Them for Regular Dental Checkups

The elderly often suffer significant problems with their teeth and gums. According to Seniors Oral Health, approximately 23 percent of adults between the ages of 65 and 74 have been diagnosed with severe gum disease, and around 75 percent of seniors who are over the age of 60 have lost some of their natural teeth. But oral hygiene is not just about your parent's gums and teeth. Studies have actually shown that the bacteria associated with periodontal disease can cause serious health issues. In fact, this bacteria could:  

• Lead to heart disease, which could result in a heart attack
• Contribute to a stroke
• Worsen the pain of rheumatoid arthritis

It is especially important that you stay on top of an elderly loved one's dental hygiene if they have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. According to The Telegraph, a recent study showed that gum disease can actually speed up the progression of Alzheimer's disease by six times. Scientists believe that periodontal bacteria can cause inflammation in the affected person's body. Other studies have also shown that the body's response to inflammatory conditions can result in an increase in cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease patients. 

So when talking with your parents, make sure to stress that they take good care of their teeth and gums. It may also fall on your shoulders to schedule regular oral checkups and provide transportation for your parents to the dentist to ensure that their teeth are being care for properly. 

Finally

Yes, personal hygiene is a very touchy subject, but your parent's physical and mental well-being may depend on keeping their teeth and mouth clean. That is why it is important to always encourage your parents to practice good oral hygiene. And as difficult as this may be — remember, there was a time when you were a baby when your parents were the ones taking care of you. If you'd like to learn more, you can continue reading more here.