Think just because your mom or dad is getting along in years that they no longer have to worry about oral hygiene or dental check ups? Think again.
Old age, sickness or the fact your elders may have dentures doesn't eliminate or even diminish the need for quality oral hygiene.
As a person ages, the amount of saliva decreases, which means an elder's mouth becomes more susceptible to tooth decay and infection.
When you put that together with their inability to brush and floss, the infection potential shoots through the roof.
Dentures still need to be checked for proper fit on a regular basis.
Elders are also at a much higher risk of oral cancer, so it's even more critical for them to make regular, twice a year dental visits.
Where teeth brushing is such an integral part of preventing tooth decay and oral infections, it's critical your elder brush at least twice a day.
But in many cases, your elder's loss of dexterity or the inability to firmly grip a toothbrush can make this process a very difficult or next to impossible one.
Here are 7 tips that may help your elder if they are experiencing trouble with brushing: 1.
Attache the brush to your elder's hand with a wide elastic band 2.
Use a sponge, rubber ball or bicycle handle grip to enlarge the toothbrush handle 3.
Apply an adhesive tape around the handle of the toothbrush 4.
Make the toothbrush handle longer by adding a piece of wood, such as a tongue depressor to the end of it 5.
Buy them an electric toothbrush if they don't have one already 6.
Brush your elders teeth with a wet toothbrush 7.
Clean out your elders mouth with a damp cloth if all else fails If your elder has become confused, you may need to stand next to them and provide instructions as to how to brush their teeth.
Do not use toothpaste if your elder is at risk for aspiration pneumonia.