Mouth Care Research Paper
Respite Care: Teeth and Mouth Care
There is no doubt that tooth and mouth care is important. It becomes even more important for those in their senior years. Teeth need to be protected from bacteria which leads to tooth decay. The decay can get into the gum line and lead to gingivitis and eventually periodontitis.
Many times a senior not will be able to take care of their oral hygiene and will need assistance because of arthritic pain, loss of mobility, etc. But what happens when the help is not available to brush, floss, and care for the teeth and gums?
Seniors often end up with a full set of dentures. This does not mean oral care is no longer needed. Quite to the contrary, seniors with dentures need regular dental checkups to ensure the …show more content…
Services can range from 30 minutes to several days. When you go, who will take care of your senior loved one's teeth and mouth care?
One of the benefits of respite care is that there is a skilled provider available to take care of your loved one's needs while you are away. Respite services are available in your home or at a respite community. The respite care providers will be able to
Make sure your loved one's teeth are brushed and/or flossed.
Help remove and clean dentures and gums.
Help put dentures back in.
Check for oral health care problems you may not have noticed.
In addition to standard oral care, respite care providers can also help with other life activities that impact teeth and mouth care. One of the most common of these activities is the drinking of enough water. Most seniors do not produce as much saliva as they did when they were younger and dry mouth is the result. One of the ways to help with saliva production is to ensure the body is fully hydrated. Seniors should drink a minimum of eight 8 ounce glasses of water each day. Sipping water regularly at mealtime and after eating is a way to keep excess food from sticking to the teeth and
There is no doubt that tooth and mouth care is important. It becomes even more important for those in their senior years. Teeth need to be protected from bacteria which leads to tooth decay. The decay can get into the gum line and lead to gingivitis and eventually periodontitis.
Many times a senior not will be able to take care of their oral hygiene and will need assistance because of arthritic pain, loss of mobility, etc. But what happens when the help is not available to brush, floss, and care for the teeth and gums?
Seniors often end up with a full set of dentures. This does not mean oral care is no longer needed. Quite to the contrary, seniors with dentures need regular dental checkups to ensure the …show more content…
Services can range from 30 minutes to several days. When you go, who will take care of your senior loved one's teeth and mouth care?
One of the benefits of respite care is that there is a skilled provider available to take care of your loved one's needs while you are away. Respite services are available in your home or at a respite community. The respite care providers will be able to
Make sure your loved one's teeth are brushed and/or flossed.
Help remove and clean dentures and gums.
Help put dentures back in.
Check for oral health care problems you may not have noticed.
In addition to standard oral care, respite care providers can also help with other life activities that impact teeth and mouth care. One of the most common of these activities is the drinking of enough water. Most seniors do not produce as much saliva as they did when they were younger and dry mouth is the result. One of the ways to help with saliva production is to ensure the body is fully hydrated. Seniors should drink a minimum of eight 8 ounce glasses of water each day. Sipping water regularly at mealtime and after eating is a way to keep excess food from sticking to the teeth and