Dental care is essential for seniors, especially since many dental changes occur as they age. These changes may happen due to underlying medical conditions or something else. Regardless, as these changes occur, they may also find themselves faced with dental emergencies. Understanding what situations are emergencies and what steps to take is key. With home care assistance and loved ones’ support, they can recognize when they need immediate help and know how to get it.
What Dental Emergencies Might Seniors Face?
One of the most common dental emergencies results from toothaches that go on for too long. While seniors should be encouraged to take steps as pain increases with the help of home care assistance, when the pain becomes too severe, they need to talk with a dentist right away. Long-lasting toothaches could be an indication of gum disease, tooth decay, or an infection.
Additionally, enamel that has been damaged or gums that have receded can make seniors more susceptible to pain. Other dental emergencies that might arise include the following:
- Chipped or Broken Teeth: Teeth that are delicate are more likely to shatter, especially if they have undergone previous dental work or disease. This is especially true if the teeth have been chipped or fractured.
- Missing Crowns or Fillings: As dental work ages, it may become more fragile, which can lead to crowns or fillings falling out that were previously in place.
- Periodontitis: Periodontitis, often known as gum disease, can lead to gum recession, bleeding, and tooth loss. Like toothaches, this might not be an emergency unless it continues for too long.
Home Care Assistance in the Event of Dental Emergencies
It is important to urge seniors to schedule routine dental checkups so that they can obtain preventative care and discover potential issues at an earlier stage. Home care assistance can help with this and provide transportation when needed.
Additionally, seniors should be encouraged to focus on their dental health by brushing, flossing regularly, and using mouthwash containing antimicrobial agents. However, if emergencies do arise, the following ideas can help:
- Build an Emergency Kit: Home care assistance can help seniors put together an emergency dental kit that includes over-the-counter pain relievers, dental wax, and contact information for the dentist. Additionally, seniors can talk with their dentist about what to include in the kit.
- Pain Management: Seniors can use both over-the-counter pain pills and cold compresses to temporarily alleviate tooth pain until they are able to visit a dentist.
- Dealing with Dental Anxiety: Dental anxiety is a common problem among seniors. Home care assistance providers and loved ones can talk with them about this anxiety to help alleviate their fears. Also, they can encourage seniors to talk with their dental team.
In order to help seniors understand and manage their dental emergencies, loved ones and home care assistance providers can focus on the tips above and be consistent in asking seniors about any dental pain or concerns they might have.
Also, as mentioned, maintaining a good hygiene routine and ensuring they see their dentist regularly can help reduce any issues they may have.
Amelia Home Care provides traditional Home Care Assistance in Yonkers, NY, along with virtual caregiving and remote patient monitoring. Our service area includes Brooklyn, Bronx, Manhattan, Queens, Staten Island, and Westchester County. Call today at (929) 333-3955
Sources:
- https://compassdentalgroup.com/dental-emergency-preparedness-things-to-do/#:~:text=Relieving%20severe%20toothaches%20and%20dental,Seek%20dental%20attention%20promptly.
- https://www.sundancesmiles.com/blog/dental-emergency-care-tips/
- https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/dental-care-seniors
- https://www.ada.org/en/resources/ada-library/oral-health-topics/aging-and-dental-health
We proudly provide non-medical home care services to individuals with disabilities, injuries, difficulties with mobility, or illnesses. Our team is composed of highly trained and competent staff members who are dedicated and experts in delivering home care services in the comfort of our client’s home.
Through our personalized care plan, we can give you the needed care services that are all intended to cater to your unique personal and health needs. With us, we ensure around-the-clock services and supervision to help you achieve optimum health and wellness.
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