One thing that’s happened in many states is that dentists and doctors were asked to postpone regular check-ups. Coronavirus has led to dentists canceling appointments for elderly people to prevent the spread.
Your mom’s dental appointment for a check-up has been postponed indefinitely. She’s always been prone to issues like cavities and bleeding gums, what can you do to make sure her oral health isn’t impacted by these cancellations?
Invest in Recommended Electric Toothbrushes
Sonicare and Oral-B both have electric toothbrushes that dentists recommend. Ask your mom’s dentist for a recommendation. The toothbrush does a lot of the work for her. Plus, your mom will find it easier to hold an ergonomic handle when arthritis is an issue.
Get a Mouthwash With Peroxide
Some mouthwashes have a small amount of hydrogen peroxide in them. This can help battle bacteria that can lead to gum disease. Again, ask the dentist for a recommendation for the best product to use. A prescription mouthwash may be recommended for now.
Talk About High Fluoride Toothpaste
Your mom’s dentist may recommend a prescription-strength toothpaste to help keep her teeth healthier. These products can help lower the risk of tooth decay.
Avoid Foods That May Cause Damage
If your mom’s teeth are not as strong as they used to be, she should avoid foods that might chip or crack her teeth. Ice cubes, popcorn kernels, and crunchy foods like croutons may be best skipped for now. If she enjoys croutons with her salads, you could make them from scratch. Use a softer bread like challah to create a softer crouton.
Time Her Oral Care Routines
Your mom needs to brush her teeth for the full two minutes. Make sure she does. If she doesn’t have an electric toothbrush with a built-in timer, make sure a digital timer or cellphone is in the bathroom when she’s brushing her teeth.
Flossing can be tricky when arthritis affects the joints in the fingers. Floss picks may be easier for her to manage. An electric water flosser may also be better for her.
Make Arrangements to Have Caregivers Help With Personal Hygiene
What are your mom’s weaknesses when it comes to oral care? If arthritis keeps her from flossing properly, hire a home health care aide to help her with flossing. If she has a hard time brushing, a caregiver can help there, too.
Talk to a home health care specialist about helping your mom with her oral hygiene. She’ll have the help she needs, and she’ll gain a companion as well. It’s easy to make the arrangements, and it will help keep your mom’s teeth and gums healthy until she’s back to regular dental check-ups.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Health Care Services in Medfield MA, or anywhere in Eastern Massachusetts, please call the caring staff at CARE Resolutions – (508) 906-5572.
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