Does Your Mom Take Care of Her Teeth Properly?

By Jessica Ott | September 22, 2022 |

Focusing only on adults 65 or older, 20% of them have at least one untreated cavity and 68% have gum disease. Certain factors increase the risk of poor oral health, such as smoking and infrequent brushing and flossing of teeth. Is your mom taking care of her teeth properly? If she is having problems attending to her teeth properly it may be time to hire personal care at home providers.

Brush and Floss a Minimum of Twice a Day

Personal Care at Home East Berlin PA – Does Your Mom Take Care of Her Teeth Properly?

Your mom needs to brush and floss her teeth twice a day. If she only flosses once, it’s okay but twice is better. If she has a water flosser, she could use that in the morning and floss with dental floss before bed.

Most people eat a meal and immediately go brush their teeth. Ideally, your mom should wait an hour. The acid in foods and beverages softens enamel. Allowing an hour for the enamel to toughen back up can help keep it from being damaged while brushing the teeth.

Avoid Sugary and Starchy Foods and Drink Lots of Water

A healthier diet, especially when it comes to snacks, can help your mom. Starchy potato chips aren’t just high in fat, they cling and stick in the pits and grooves in the teeth, increasing the risk of cavities. Sugary foods like brownies, cupcakes, and candies aren’t great options. Even dried fruit like raisins and cranberries will stick and increase the risk of cavities.

For snacks, your mom should look at options like carrot sticks, celery with natural peanut butter, or raw almonds. They’re satisfying and better for her teeth.

After a meal or snack, your mom should drink lots of water. It helps flush away food particles and prevents conditions like dry mouth. If she can’t stand water on its own, you could get plain seltzer or add some flavoring drops that don’t have added sugar.

See a Dentist at Least Twice a Year and Purchase an Electric Toothbrush

Schedule cleanings twice a year. If your mom’s dental insurance offers more than two monthly cleanings, she might be able to see her dentist three or four times each year. It often comes down to whether she has gum disease or not.

Dental insurance companies are more likely to authorize cleanings every three or four months if gum disease is present or at high risk. Make sure your mom sees her dentist as often as is recommended by her dental hygienist and dentist.

An electric toothbrush is more likely to have a round handle that’s easy for your mom to grip. Plus, the motions of the brush head help with proper cleaning.

Arrange to Have Personal Care at Home Aides to Help Her With Oral Care

Personal care at home can help your mom with oral care. If her fingers are too arthritic or her fine motor skills are worsening, she can have a caregiver help her brush and floss her teeth. Arrange personal care at home services by calling our home care expert.

Sources: https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/basics/adult-oral-health/adult_older.htm

If you or an aging loved one are considering Personal Care at Home Services in East Berlin PA, please talk to us. Our friendly staff can answer all of your questions. In-home Senior Care in Adams and York Counties, PA. Call Today: (717) 698-8258.

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Jessica Ott

Owner at A Helping Hand Home Care Services, LLC

Jessica Ott is the Owner at A Helping Hand Home Care Services, LLC.

A Helping Hand Home Care Services, LLC is dedicated to providing our clients with a better quality of life through our support services while maintaining their independence in the comfort of their own home.

As a Home Care Agency licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Health, we can provide families with peace of mind, knowing their loved one is in good hands.

We will work with you to prepare a care plan that incorporates your needs, your wishes, and your preferred schedule. Each client is matched with a caregiver who can best meet their individual needs, whether they reside in a house, apartment, condominium, assisted living, or nursing community.