Are you responsible for caring for an elderly client or loved one? It’s important to remember that a healthy mouth is essential for a healthy body, says dental hygienist and educator Joanne Peazel McCavery.
Like natural teeth, dentures should be cleaned at least twice a day, she says. “There are special denture cleaners available. If you use regular toothpaste on dentures, the abrasive agents may cause very fine scratches, which become a breeding ground for bacteria, plaque and bad breath. Soaking the denture in a denture cleaning product and brushing them with a denture brush typically gets rid of the largest amount of bacteria.”
Whether they have their natural teeth, dentures or a combination of the two, it is very important that older adults continue to see their dentist or hygienist regularly, says Ms. Peazel McCavery. “Even after all teeth have been removed, individuals are still susceptible to a lot of oral trauma, infections or conditions that can require treatment.”
It is also essential to inspect dentures regularly, she says, noting that inserting a cracked or broken denture can cause irritation to the tissues in the mouth.
A common problem experienced by older adults is dry mouth. “There are more than 500 medications that that may decrease the amount of saliva. When there is a decreased amount of saliva, there is greater susceptibility to infections, gum disease and cavities.”
As with other types of care, the caregiver needs to maintain a high level of compassion, she advises. “Pay attention to the overall health of the oral cavity, and check for lesions or ulcerations and bad breath, which can be a sign of disease. By keeping the oral cavity clean and healthy, the caregiver can really help to improve facial image and quality of life.”
Find more tips for caregivers at dentalhygienius.blogspot.com.
Published on Saturday, May. 07, 2011 2:22PM EDT
