Anyone can get gum disease, but seniors are more prone to it. Often seniors have trouble keeping up with oral hygiene as they get older, which can lead to gum disease. Senior home care can help seniors with tasks like brushing their teeth.
If your senior mom or dad has painful arthritis, poor grip strength, or other physical challenges that make brushing their teeth difficult, they have a high risk for developing gum disease. Untreated gum disease can cause tooth decay, oral infections, and a lot of pain. One of the primary symptoms of gum disease is bleeding gums.
If your mom or dad mentions that their gums are bleeding when they do brush their teeth, or if you notice traces of blood on their toothbrush or in the sink, make a dentist appointment for your mom or dad. If your mom or dad has senior home care, ask the care provider if they have noticed any signs of bleeding gums.
You should also be on the lookout for these often-missed signs of gum disease in seniors. If you notice that your mom or dad has any of these symptoms, get them to a dentist as soon as possible:
Red, Swollen, or Tender Gums
If your mom or dad is complaining that biting, chewing, or eating food is making their mouth hurt they could have gum disease. Healthy gums should be firm and pink. If the gums appear red, swollen, or feel tender, it could indicate gum disease. Swollen and tender gums can also be a side effect of some medications.
Bad Breath
Persistent bad breath, also known as halitosis, can be a result of gum disease. It often arises from the buildup of bacteria and plaque. If your mom or dad is brushing their teeth regularly and you know they are using a good quality toothpaste, but they still have bad breath then they may have gum disease.
Receding Gums
Receding gums can be a serious problem for seniors. If your can see that your mom or dad’s gums are pulling away from the teeth, exposing more of the tooth or even the tooth roots, it can be a sign of gum disease. This recession may make teeth appear longer than usual. Anytime that you notice a change in the appearance of your mom or dad’s teeth they should see a dentist.
Loose or Shifting Teeth
If your parent still has some of their natural teeth, and they want to keep those teeth, they need to be concerned about gum disease. Gum disease can cause the supporting structures of the teeth to weaken, leading to teeth that become loose or shift in position. If your mom or dad feels their teeth are loose or shifting or you see visible changes in the look of their teeth it’s time to see the dentist.
Changes in Bite or Tooth Alignment
If your mom or dad is having trouble chewing, or they complaining that they are having pain in their jaw or near their ear, their bite alignment could be off. Gum disease can affect the way teeth fit together when biting or chewing. Seniors might notice changes in their bite or find that their teeth don’t align as they used to.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring Senior Home Care in Beverly Hills, CA, please call Mom's Home Care and talk to our friendly, knowledgeable staff.
Our number is 323-244-4789.
