If your senior parent has been complaining about pain in their mouth lately, they could have a dental infection. Dental infections are more than just an annoyance for seniors. If dental infections go untreated they could cause serious health risks for seniors, including increasing their risk of a heart attack or stroke.
Home care can help seniors avoid getting dental infections by reminding seniors to brush their teeth daily. Home care providers can also make sure that your senior mom or dad is eating plenty of natural fruits and vegetables that can help them maintain good oral health.
If your senior mom or dad has been showing any of these symptoms of a dental infection, make sure that you get them to a dentist and get their mouth checked out soon:
Pain or Discomfort
Persistent pain or discomfort in the mouth, including toothaches, sore gums, or a general feeling of tenderness in the mouth can all be symptoms of an oral infection. If your senior parent wears dentures you should also have the dentist check to make sure their dentures still fit properly. Dentures that are not fitting correctly can cause pain, sores, and even infections if the fit is not corrected.
Swelling
Swelling of the gums, cheeks, or other areas of the mouth. This can sometimes be accompanied by redness or tenderness. Swollen cheeks are a telltale sign of an oral problem that shouldn’t be ignored. If you notice that your senior has swollen cheeks or enlarged lymph nodes in the neck that means they probably have an infection and need medical attention.
Bad Breath
Persistent bad breath that does not improve with regular oral hygiene practices is often a symptom of an oral infection. If your senior parent isn’t brushing their teeth regularly they may have bad breath because of that. So, encourage them to brush their teeth at least twice a day regularly for a few days and to use an antibacterial mouthwash. If their bad breath doesn’t go away then they need to see a doctor or dentist.
Difficulty Chewing or Swallowing
Pain or difficulty while chewing or swallowing food, which may cause your mom or dad to want to skip meals or ask for soft foods instead of their normal meals. If you notice that your senior parent is suddenly skipping meals, saying their not hungry, or showing signs of pain when they eat it’s a good idea to get them checked out by a dentist or a doctor.
Ulcers or Sores
The presence of ulcers, sores, or blisters on the gums, tongue, or inside the cheeks. If sores are not treated they can quickly become infected and cause a lot of pain. Sores can happen for a number of reasons like ill-fitting dentures, eating acidic foods, or not practicing good oral hygiene.
Bleeding Gums
Don’t ignore bleeding bums. Often seniors assume that if their gums bleed they just brushed too hard. But bleeding gums are a sign of infection, they’re not normal. If your senior mom or dad is experiencing bleeding gums they need to be seen by a dentist.
The staff at Home Care Matters is available to talk with you and your family about all of your needs. Home Care Matters is a home care agency providing quality and affordable home care in Sugar Hill, GA, and the surrounding areas. Call (770) 965-4004 for more information.
We provide elder care in Braselton, Buford, Dacula, Duluth, Flowery Branch, Gainesville, Johns Creek, Lawrenceville, Oakwood, Sugar Hill, Suwanee, Barrow County, Forsyth County, Gwinnett County, Hall County, Jackson County, North Fulton County.
Valerie has the unique experience with home care as she has experienced it from both ends of the spectrum, as a caregiver and as needing care herself as a cancer survivor. Valerie says, “Taking care of someone you love is a physically, mentally and demanding labor of love.Taking care of my mom was the hardest thing I have ever done. It has given me an insight and perspective not many people understand unless you are doing it or have done it.I loved taking care of my mom.I love helping others take care of their love ones too.And now that I’ve been sick, it’s given me a whole new level of empathy and understanding for those who are sick and need help.”
Valerie’s schedule varies daily, but she loves visiting with our clients, families, caregivers, our network partners and being in the office.Says Valerie, “Every day is different, but I wake up excited about what we do, inspired by our team, clients and caregivers.I strive to be a resource to the community.I love my team and I love what we do every day. I like to think my mom would be proud.”
You can reach Valerie by email (Valerie@homecarematters.com) or in our office (770.965.4004).
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