Dr. Eboni Green
September 9, 2022
As people get older, it’s natural for them to slack on their dental hygiene. Thoroughly brushing their teeth is more difficult as they lose range of motion. Older folks may also have underlying health conditions contributing to poor dental conditions.
As a caregiver, you shouldn’t ignore your client’s oral health problems. Even small changes in their teeth could signify something more significant. Keep your eye out for any of these issues and address them right away.
If your client complains about mouth pain, check for mouth sores. Ulcers could point to several problems ranging in severity. Mouth sores from ill-fitting dentures are simple to fix; a trip to the dentist will dramatically improve their quality of life.
However, mouth sores could also indicate a more serious problem. Lesions that won’t heal, bleed continuously, and grow in size may be a sign of cancer. Oral cancer screenings are important for early detection, so keep up with annual appointments.
Everyone has a bout of bad breath now and then. However, reoccurring halitosis is a serious oral health problem you shouldn’t ignore. Smelly breath could suggest a deeper problem that no amount of peppermints can solve.
Tooth decay often causes bad breath. This is serious because rotten teeth introduce bacteria into the bloodstream and endanger cardiovascular symptoms. Stinky breath could also imply internal problems like kidney disease and diabetes.
Have you ever experienced pain from eating an ice cream cone? Temperature sensitivity isn’t all that uncommon. However, it can be a real problem for elders if this pain restricts their nutritional intake.
Sensitivity to hot and cold foods is another signifier of tooth and gum disease. Even if this sensation doesn’t result from deeper medical issues, it’s still a nuisance to deal with. Everyone deserves to eat without pain, no matter their age.
Don’t brush dry mouth complaints aside. While it might not seem like a big deal, constant dry mouth isn’t normal for anyone, including older people. If your client tells you they have this problem, take them to a dentist as soon as possible.
A dry mouth results from many problems, including dehydration, prescription reactions, and stress. Reduced saliva production also encourages oral infections. A change in diet or medication may be a simple solution; however, you should always consult your client’s medical team first.
You might not think that dental health could have such an influence on someone’s well-being. However, caregivers need to take action when they notice these problems to give their clients the quality of life they deserve.
