No matter your age, the importance of your oral health cannot be understated. We all learn, from early ages, to brush our teeth regularly and with proper care. It’s not just about keeping your teeth clean. Oral health is an essential aspect of overall well-being. In our senior years, strict attention to oral hygiene is more important than ever. From maintaining a dazzling smile to preventing serious health issues, it’s a must to keep our mouths as clean as possible.
Good oral hygiene prevents gum disease.
Gum disease isn’t just an inconvenience. It’s a serious health threat that becomes more prevalent as we age. Untreated gum disease can lead to tooth loss, chronic inflammation and even impact our overall health. Seniors should be especially vigilant about regular dental check-ups and diligent oral hygiene practices to keep gum disease at bay.
“If you neglect your oral hygiene, harmful bacteria can multiply in your mouth,” reports Arizona’s Goodman Dental Center, “If this happens, you can develop a substance on your teeth known as plaque. Plaque buildup can trigger inflammation in your gums, which can lead to gum disease. Gum disease can cause painful gum tenderness, bleeding, swelling, loose teeth, and tooth loss.”
Brushing your teeth enables you to enjoy sweet treats.
Maintaining good oral health ensures you can continue to enjoy mouthwatering delights. Healthy teeth and gums are vital for proper chewing and digestion. They allow you to savour the flavours of all of your favourite foods. As well, with a clean mouth, you can derive maximum nutrition from your meals. As we age, tooth loss and gum problems can hinder our ability to enjoy a balanced diet. This potentially impacts our overall health.
Keeping a clean mouth protects against larger health issues.
Believe it or not, oral health is closely linked to systemic health. Poor oral hygiene has been associated with a higher risk of various health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes and respiratory infections. By practicing good oral care, you are not just protecting your teeth and gums. You are also fortifying your body’s defence against potential health challenges.
“Good oral hygiene can help prevent the development of lung infections such as pneumonia, especially for seniors who have a hard time swallowing,” informs Canada.ca, “Pneumonia may be caused by the inhalation of harmful types of mouth bacteria, which accumulate when the mouth is not cleaned properly and regularly. Good oral hygiene can reduce the risk of such bacteria going into the lungs.”
Strong oral health helps to improve communication.
Oral health plays a pivotal role in maintaining clear speech and effective communication. Loose or missing teeth can alter your speech patterns and make it challenging to express yourself. By keeping your oral health in check, you ensure that your words flow smoothly and confidently. This fosters meaningful interactions and connections with loved ones.
At LifeCare Mobility Solutions, we offer a wide variety of home bathroom modifications to ensure that your bathroom is a safe place for your elderly loved ones to maintain their oral health. They include oversized light switches, roll in showers, bath lift chairs, transfer benches, walk in tubs, night lights, grab bars, raised support toilet seats and shower chairs.
To learn more, please don’t hesitate to call us at 416-267-9800 or email us at info@lifecaremobility.ca. You may also contact us by filling out the form on our Contact page!
